Appearance: Soft, silvery-white metal that tarnishes quickly when exposed to air, forming a dull gray layer of sodium oxide.

Reactivity: Extremely reactive, especially with water, where it produces sodium hydroxide and hydrogen gas, often accompanied by a vigorous reaction and heat. Sodium must be stored under oil or an inert atmosphere to prevent oxidation and reaction with moisture in the air.

Low Melting Point: Melts at approximately 98°C (208°F), which is relatively low for a metal. This property makes it easy to handle in some molten state applications.

Density: Less dense than water, allowing it to float, which is unusual for metals. This low density contributes to its use in applications that benefit from light metals.

Conductivity: Good conductor of electricity, though it’s rarely used as a conductor due to its reactivity.

Industrial Applications: Used in organic synthesis, the production of certain chemicals (like sodium borohydride and sodium peroxide), and in nuclear reactors as a heat exchange medium.

Safety Precautions: Sodium is highly reactive and should be handled with caution, as it can ignite spontaneously in air and explode when in contact with water.