Sodium is represented by which chemical symbol?

Prepare for the Kettering Patient Assessment Test with flashcards and multiple choice questions. Each question includes hints and explanations to enhance your learning experience and boost your exam readiness.

Sodium is represented by the chemical symbol "Na." This symbol originates from the Latin name for sodium, which is "Natrium." When discussing sodium in a chemical context, it is important to note that the symbol "Na" can also appear with a plus sign, indicating that it is in its ionized form (sodium ion). This ionization occurs when sodium loses one electron, resulting in a positively charged ion (Na+). Understanding this representation is crucial in various scientific fields, including biochemistry and medicine, where the balance of ions like sodium is essential for numerous physiological processes.

The other symbols mentioned relate to different elements or their ionized forms. "Ca+" represents calcium in its ionized state, "Cl-" represents chloride, which is the ionized form of chlorine, and "K+" represents potassium as a positively charged ion. While these are all important in biology and chemistry, they do not represent sodium. The specific connection of the "Na" symbol to sodium is what makes it the correct answer in the context of this question.

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy