The chemical element represented by the symbol Na is sodium. Sodium is a highly reactive metal, belonging to the alkali metals group on the periodic table. It is essential for various biological processes, including maintaining fluid balance and transmitting nerve impulses in living organisms. Sodium is commonly found in nature as part of compounds, particularly in salt (sodium chloride), which is vital for human health. In industrial applications, sodium is used in producing glass, soaps, and various chemical compounds. Its reactivity means it is rarely found in its pure elemental form in nature.