The chemical element with the symbol Na is sodium. It is a soft, silvery-white, highly reactive metal belonging to the alkali metal group on the periodic table. Sodium plays a crucial role in various biological and chemical processes, particularly in maintaining cellular function and fluid balance in living organisms. Sodium compounds, like sodium chloride (common table salt), are widely used in food preservation and flavoring. Additionally, sodium is significant in industrial applications, from the production of glass and soap to chemical synthesis. Its reactivity means that it is rarely found in its elemental form in nature.