Sodium

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Sodium
Na
In situ availability: trace
Necessity: essential
Atomic number: 11
Atomic mass: 22.98977
group: 1
period: 3
normal phase: Solid
series: Alkali metals
density: 0.968 g/cm3
melting point: 370.87K,
97.72°C,
207.9°F
boiling point: 1156K,
883°C,
1621°F
N/ALiBe
Ne ← Na → Mg
N/AKCa
Atomic radius (pm): 180
Bohr radius (pm): 190
Covalent radius (pm): 154
Van der Waals radius (pm): 227
ionic radius (pm): (+1) 102
1st ion potential (eV): 5.14
Electron Configuration
1s2
2s2 2p6
3s1
Electrons Per Shell
2, 8, 1
Electronegativity: 0.93
Electron Affinity: 0.55
Oxidation states: 1
Magnetism: Paramagnetic
Crystal structure: Body centered cubic

Sodium is a Alkali metal in group 1. It has a Body centered cubic crystalline structure. This element has a stable isotope of 23

On the Moon NaK, a sodium potassium alloy, is one of the few substances that can be liquid in the ambient vacuum conditions for a considerable length of time. At the eutectic concentrations of Na & K the alloy stays liquid from -12 to over 700 Celsius. At the low temperature end the vapor pressure is low enough that the liquid takes a reasonable time to evaporate in the conditions Luna's outdoor environment. This liquid can be alloyed with a powdered addition other metals at low temperature, perhaps making a Lunar Cement.

In the equatorial regions of Luna, where daytime temperatures get higher than the melting point of sodium, an iron or aluminum pipe filled with sodium would make a good electrical conductor.


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