Sodium Sulfate
Have you ever wondered why sodium and sulfate became a compound that forms into what we commonly know as salt? Well I have the answer for you! Sodium sulfate also known as Na2SO4, is an ionic compound, which means that these two elements (sodium and sulfate) are attracted to each other through the transfer of electrons. (4). This element is commonly a naturally occurring salt. (1). Sodium and sulfate ions are discovered in sources of water such as groundwater and springs. (1). Sodium sulfate takes on a crystallized structure and is a section of tons of rocks. (1).
There is a combination of substitutes for this element. One of the main alternates is a mineral called thenardite. Thenardite is a natural form of sodium sulfate that was named after the French chemist Louis U. Thenard. (5). This mineral also dissolves in water and tastes like salt. (5). Another substitute for this element is sodium hydroxide also known as blended sulfur and caustic soda. (1).
Na2SO4 is used in a variety of ways. This element was first used in Egypt. (1&3). The Egyptians used this element to create many different forms of soaps and detergents; specifically those in the form of powder and also to aid in the process of mummification. (1&4). As time progressed, the element was also used to construct textiles, such as paper, glass and numerous other things. (5). When glass is made, soda ash and calcium sulfate, substitutes for Na2SO4, are used. (5).
The reason behind why these elements have bonded together as an ionic compound is because one is a metal and the other is a nonmetal. Sodium, chemical name Na, is the metal in this compound which leaves sulfate, chemical name SO42-, to be the nonmetal. (4). Since they are ionic this means that this compound does not form molecules and that it has a high melting point. (4). This also means that Na2SO4’s physical properties are that of an ionic compound which are as follows: it is a solid and has a crystal shape at room temperature, hard and brittle, can conduct electricity when melted or dissolved; so good conductors, and the compound contains a polyatomic ion. (4). When described as a polyatomic ion, it means that this compound has a group of elements with an overall charge. (4).
Even though sodium sulfate is commonly found as table salt, the un-chemically processed form of it can be dangerous. (2). If this chemical is exposed to the eyes, flush them with lots of water for about fifteen minutes. (2). If this does not work and the eyes become exasperated seek medical treatment. (2). This also applies to topical contact and inhalation. (2). The only exception is that if this gets on your skin, you must wash it of with soap and water for we know that sodium sulfate dissolves in water. (2) If inhaled get fresh air into your body immediately and if the person who inhales this is unable to breathe give mouth to mouth. (2). This technique is used when ingested as well unless the person becomes unconscious and if the individual is conscious, simply rinse the mouth out with either milk or water to dissolve the element. (2).
To conclude, as stated above Sodium sulfate is an ionic compound. (4) This compound dissolves in water because sodium reacts with water; it first floats then it later releases hydrogen gas. (3). This element is still used in various areas today. (1).
Have you ever wondered why sodium and sulfate became a compound that forms into what we commonly know as salt? Well I have the answer for you! Sodium sulfate also known as Na2SO4, is an ionic compound, which means that these two elements (sodium and sulfate) are attracted to each other through the transfer of electrons. (4). This element is commonly a naturally occurring salt. (1). Sodium and sulfate ions are discovered in sources of water such as groundwater and springs. (1). Sodium sulfate takes on a crystallized structure and is a section of tons of rocks. (1).
There is a combination of substitutes for this element. One of the main alternates is a mineral called thenardite. Thenardite is a natural form of sodium sulfate that was named after the French chemist Louis U. Thenard. (5). This mineral also dissolves in water and tastes like salt. (5). Another substitute for this element is sodium hydroxide also known as blended sulfur and caustic soda. (1).
Na2SO4 is used in a variety of ways. This element was first used in Egypt. (1&3). The Egyptians used this element to create many different forms of soaps and detergents; specifically those in the form of powder and also to aid in the process of mummification. (1&4). As time progressed, the element was also used to construct textiles, such as paper, glass and numerous other things. (5). When glass is made, soda ash and calcium sulfate, substitutes for Na2SO4, are used. (5).
The reason behind why these elements have bonded together as an ionic compound is because one is a metal and the other is a nonmetal. Sodium, chemical name Na, is the metal in this compound which leaves sulfate, chemical name SO42-, to be the nonmetal. (4). Since they are ionic this means that this compound does not form molecules and that it has a high melting point. (4). This also means that Na2SO4’s physical properties are that of an ionic compound which are as follows: it is a solid and has a crystal shape at room temperature, hard and brittle, can conduct electricity when melted or dissolved; so good conductors, and the compound contains a polyatomic ion. (4). When described as a polyatomic ion, it means that this compound has a group of elements with an overall charge. (4).
Even though sodium sulfate is commonly found as table salt, the un-chemically processed form of it can be dangerous. (2). If this chemical is exposed to the eyes, flush them with lots of water for about fifteen minutes. (2). If this does not work and the eyes become exasperated seek medical treatment. (2). This also applies to topical contact and inhalation. (2). The only exception is that if this gets on your skin, you must wash it of with soap and water for we know that sodium sulfate dissolves in water. (2) If inhaled get fresh air into your body immediately and if the person who inhales this is unable to breathe give mouth to mouth. (2). This technique is used when ingested as well unless the person becomes unconscious and if the individual is conscious, simply rinse the mouth out with either milk or water to dissolve the element. (2).
To conclude, as stated above Sodium sulfate is an ionic compound. (4) This compound dissolves in water because sodium reacts with water; it first floats then it later releases hydrogen gas. (3). This element is still used in various areas today. (1).