What are some physical properties of sodium?

Sodium has a silvery white color and a shiny appearance. Sodium is malleable, making it easily shaped or bent. It is also a good conductor of electricity.

Sodium is soft and can be easily cut with a knife. It is ductile, making it easily pulled or stretched. Sodium is a highly reactive metal and it is the most abundant element in the Earth’s crust.

When sodium is mixed with other chemicals, sodium compounds form. Some of these compounds are of commercial importance, particularly to industries that produce paper, soap, textiles and glass. Other important sodium compounds include table salt, baking soda, soda ash and caustic soda.