The melting point of sodium is approximately 98 degrees Celsius (208 degrees Fahrenheit).
Sodium is a soft, silvery-white metal that is highly reactive, especially with water. It belongs to the alkali metals group in the periodic table, which includes lithium, potassium, rubidium, cesium, and francium. The relatively low melting point of sodium is characteristic of alkali metals, as they tend to have weaker metallic bonds due to their single valence electron. This makes them transition from solid to liquid at relatively lower temperatures compared to many other metals.
In practical terms, this means that sodium can easily melt when exposed to heat from common sources, and it will do so in a matter of minutes when heated to its melting point. Care should always be taken when handling sodium, as it can react vigorously with moisture in the air and especially with water, generating hydrogen gas and heat, which can lead to fires or explosions.