Extremely easy chemistry question

[td21]

Homework Statement

In the world can we find a sodium atom(not the sodium ion as in salt)?

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution

No, the periodic table represents the sodium ion (With 1 more proton than electron). So that means we have to combine it with some "negative" ion to "see" a sodium.

I also doubt that the periodic table represents an ion or an atom. I believe so because the only "atom"(full shell) is the inert gas(the last column). Others are all ions.
(But if it is wrong, the attempt of the solution would also be wrong.)Sorry for the stupid question. I haven't taken any chem class in high school and now i am self-studying.

 

[chemisttree]

Would something really reactive exist unreacted in nature?

 

[td21]

if sodium cannot exist in the world, why do we say "sodium atom lose 1 electron to become sodium ion"?

 

[Char. Limit]

You can find sodium metal, I believe... but I'm not sure if that answers your question. Can we find it in nature?

 

[dextercioby]

Sodium is very reactive, just like potassium and cessium. That should strongly give you a hint on the answer and the argumentation for it.

As for the periodic table, the symbol <Na> represents an atom of sodium as a chemical element. It has 11 proton and electrons and 12 neutrons (the most common isotope).

 

[Amok]

Of course we can find metallic sodium in the world. I've seen it in chemistry labs with my own eyes!

 

[Hellohi]

of course we can, and amok is correct. It is however somewhat rare.