When was sodium discovered?

Sodium was discovered in 1807 by Sir Humphrey Davy in England. Until it was discovered and isolated, there was no clear distinction between sodium and potassium. Sir Davy was able to isolate sodium from the compound sodium hydroxide by electrolysis. Sir Davy later isolated potassium by a similar procedure.

The origin of the name "sodium" derives from the English word "soda." The chemical symbol is Na, which originates from the Latin word "natrium."

Sodium is in the alkali metals grouping of elements. In its solid state of matter, it is a soft, silver-colored metal. When burned, sodium emits a bright, yellow flame.