Tarnished sodium metal
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Tarnished sodium metal
Tarnished sodium metal. Chunk of the reactive metallic element sodium (Na). Part of this surface was recently exposed by a knife cut. However, sodium is a soft alkali metal that reacts rapidly with the water and oxygen in the air. This tarnishes exposed surfaces as the oxide and hydroxide form (see C010/9658 for the shiny, newly exposed surface). Sodium is not found in its elemental form in nature, due to it being highly reactive, and is mainly found in deposits of salt (sodium chloride), from which it is obtained by electrolysis
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Media ID 6346067
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Alkali Metal Alkaline Element Elemental Exposed Fresh Metal Metallic Oxidation Oxide Oxidised Oxidized Reacting Reaction Reactive School Science Sliced Sodium Soft Surface Hydroxide Laboratory Oxidising Tarnish Tarnished
EDITORS COMMENTS
This print showcases a chunk of tarnished sodium metal, revealing the fascinating nature of this reactive metallic element. The surface of the sodium was recently exposed by a knife cut, allowing us to witness its soft and malleable properties. However, due to its high reactivity, sodium rapidly reacts with water and oxygen in the air, resulting in the formation of oxide and hydroxide compounds that tarnish its exposed surfaces. It is intriguing to note that elemental sodium is not naturally found in its pure form as it readily reacts with other elements. Instead, it is primarily obtained from deposits of salt (sodium chloride) through electrolysis. This image provides a glimpse into the world of chemistry and laboratory experiments where such reactions take place. The contrasting white background emphasizes the intricate details of this studio shot while highlighting the oxidizing process occurring on the surface. With its cut-out appearance against a clean backdrop, this print would be an excellent addition to any school science classroom or chemical research facility. Science enthusiasts will appreciate how this image captures both the beauty and complexity behind oxidation processes involving alkali metals like sodium. It serves as a reminder that even seemingly ordinary substances can hold extraordinary scientific wonders within them.
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