Sodium's chemical symbol comes from the Latin word for sodium carbonate, natrium . Since sodium can ignite on contact with water, it must be stored in a moisture free environment. Sodium is used in the production of titanium , sodamide, sodium cyanide, sodium peroxide, and sodium hydride. Liquid sodium has been used as a coolant for nuclear reactors.
Sodium vapor is used in streetlights and produces a brilliant yellow light.
Sodium also forms many useful compounds. This page is maintained by Steve Gagnon .