What is difference between natural sodium and metal sodium

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Natural sodium typically refers to sodium in its ionic form, primarily found in compounds like NaCl (table salt), where sodium ions bond with chloride ions. Metallic sodium, on the other hand, consists of pure sodium atoms that share their valence electrons in a metallic bond, creating a 'sea of electrons' that allows for conductivity. The crystal structures of NaCl and metallic sodium differ, with NaCl forming an ionic lattice of interlocking simple cubic structures, while metallic sodium has a simpler cubic arrangement. Understanding these differences is crucial for applications in chemistry and materials science. The distinction between natural sodium and metallic sodium highlights their unique properties and behaviors in various contexts.
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In terms of structure
 
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What is "natural sodium"? I don't think sodium occurs by itself in nature, only in compounds.
 
By natural sodium do you perhaps mean NaCl? That's an ionic bonded crystal where the cl takes an electron from the na.

Metallic sodium is all sodium atoms. Each one contributes an electron to the 'sea of electrons'. 1 because a valence electron.

NaCl and metallic Na probably have different crystal structures because of this. NaCl should be 2 interlocking simple cubics and Na should be 1 simple cubic. (I think?). I hated solid state, so crystal structure aren't my expertise.
 

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