SODIUM OXIDE Meaning and
Definition
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Sodium oxide is an inorganic compound with the chemical formula Na2O. It is formed when sodium, a highly reactive metallic element, reacts with oxygen. It exists as a white crystalline solid at room temperature and is highly soluble in water. Sodium oxide is an essential compound in many industrial applications and is commonly used as a precursor in the production of other sodium-based compounds.
In terms of physical properties, sodium oxide has a high melting point and boiling point, making it thermally stable. It also has a high electrical conductivity due to the presence of mobile sodium ions within the crystal lattice. Sodium oxide is chemically reactive and readily reacts with water to form sodium hydroxide, a strong base.
In addition to its role as a precursor for other compounds, sodium oxide finds applications in glass manufacturing, where it functions as a flux to lower the melting point of silica and promote the formation of a stable glass structure. It is also used in the production of soaps and detergents as a pH regulator and a neutralizing agent. In the field of ceramics, sodium oxide acts as a flux to enable the sintering process and increase the strength of the final product. However, due to its highly reactive nature, sodium oxide should be handled with caution as it can cause burns and severe eye and respiratory irritations upon contact.
Etymology of SODIUM OXIDE
The etymology of the word "sodium" can be traced back to the Medieval Latin word "sodanum" or "sudanum", which was derived from the Arabic word "suda", meaning headache. This is because sodium compounds were used in ancient times to treat headaches.
The word "oxide" comes from the combining form "oxi-" derived from the Greek word "oxys", meaning sharp or acid, and the suffix "-ide" denoting a chemical compound. So "oxide" signifies a compound that contains oxygen combined with another element, in this case, sodium.
