Yes. Sodium is a metal, classified as an alkali metal on the periodic table.

How many protons does sodium have?

Sodium has 11 protons. Its atomic number is 11, which is also the number of electrons in a neutral atom of sodium.

What group and period is sodium in?

Sodium is in group 1 and period 3 of the periodic table, in the s-block.

What is the atomic mass of sodium?

The atomic mass of sodium is 22.99 u (unified atomic mass units).

Element 11

Sodium (Na)

Alkali metal · Period 3 · Group 1 · s-block

Sodium (Na) is element 11 of the periodic table, an alkali metal in period 3, group 1 (s-block) with an atomic mass of 22.99 and is a solid at standard conditions.

At a glance

Atomic number: 11
Symbol: Na
Atomic mass: 22.99 u
Category: Alkali metals
Period: 3
Group: 1
Block: s-block
Phase at STP: solid

Electron structure

Electron configuration: 1s2 2s2 2p6 3s1
Shorthand configuration: [Ne] 3s1
Electrons per shell: 2, 8, 1
Oxidation states: -1, +1

Physical properties

Melting point: 370.87 K (97.72 °C)
Boiling point: 1,156 K (882.85 °C)
Density: 0.971 g/cm³
Phase: solid

Atomic properties

Electronegativity (Pauling): 0.93
Atomic radius: 190 pm
Covalent radius: 166 pm
Van der Waals radius: 227 pm
First ionization energy: 496 kJ/mol
Electron affinity: 53 kJ/mol

Notable isotopes

Notable isotopes of Sodium: mass number, atomic mass, natural abundance, and stability.
Isotope	Mass	Abundance	Stability
Na-23	22.98977	100%	Stable

Common uses

Table salt
Street lamps
Heat transfer
Soap making

Discovery

Year: 1807
Discovered by: Humphry Davy
Country: England

Frequently asked questions

Is sodium a metal?: Yes. Sodium is a metal, classified as an alkali metal on the periodic table.
How many protons does sodium have?: Sodium has 11 protons. Its atomic number is 11, which is also the number of electrons in a neutral atom of sodium.
What group and period is sodium in?: Sodium is in group 1 and period 3 of the periodic table, in the s-block.
What is the atomic mass of sodium?: The atomic mass of sodium is 22.99 u (unified atomic mass units).

Keep exploring

Sodium's row is on the printable element property sheet, and its tile is on the periodic table wall chart - the same numbers as above, laid out for A4 or A3 paper.