Molecular weight of sodium

Sodium is represented by Na and has a commonly used atomic-weight value of about 22.99. Its molar mass is correspondingly about 22.99 g/mol for sodium atoms. Calling this molecular weight can be imprecise because the symbol names an element rather than a discrete molecule.

Meaning and context

A sodium-containing compound includes the contributions of other elements. For sodium chloride, NaCl, add the sodium and chlorine atomic contributions using the values supplied by the problem’s periodic table.

Examples and usage

Using rounded values, 22.99 + 35.45 gives approximately 58.44 g/mol for NaCl. That is not the molar mass of sodium alone. The chemical formula defines which atoms belong in the calculation.

What to check

Keep atomic number, atomic mass, sample mass, and molar mass distinct. Sodium’s atomic number identifies its proton count; it is not a mass in grams. Match units and precision to the requested quantity.

Explore more: Chemistry and Elements