Sodium is an element in the periodic table with the symbol Na. Sodium has an atomic number of 11 and an atomic mass of 22.98977 amu and is an Alkali metal. Sodium was used in ancient times by the Egyptian and Roman civilizations. Egyptians would call Sodium by the name of "natron" and Roman's had a similar name for the element, "Natruim". These names lead to the elements symbol, Na. The naming of Sodium originated from the Arabic word suda (headache). This was used as a cure for headaches during this time in history. However Sir Humphrey David discovered how to make sodium metal in England in 1807. Sodium is a very important element with various uses. Sodium is used to produce other metals such as titanium metal; it is also used in nuclear plants, artificial rubber and in electric currents. .
Potassium: K.
Potassium is an element in the periodic table with the symbol K. Potassium has an atomic number of 19 and an atomic mass of 39.0983 amu and is an Alkali metal. Potassium is the eighth most abundant element on earth and is in about 2.1% of earths crust by weight. Sir Humphrey David in England discovered potassium in 1807. The origin of the name potassium comes from the English word "potash" which means "pot ashes". Potassium was the first metal isolated by electrolysis. Potassium is a very important element that has various uses. Potassium is used a fertilizer and is essential for plant growth. For example Potassium is found as a big component in bananas. .
Materials.
Na (Sodium).
K (Potassium).
Water.
Overhead hood.
Gloves.
Goggles .
Procedure.
1) Place all materials under over head hood.
2) Turn on over head hood.
3) Pour about ½ and inch of water into a container.
4) Remove a small portion of Sodium from its container and cut it into small pieces. .
5) Drop the Sodium one at a time into the water .
6) Record observations in notebook.
7) Repeat steps 3-6 with the element K (Potassium) .