1. Alkali metals have much higher than average conductivity both of heat and electricity. The high thermal conductivity of sodium, low melting point, and low price explain why sodium is often used as the heat exchange medium in nuclear reactors. How safe is it, given the high reactivity of elemental sodium?

2. Dietary requirements for sodium ions (Na⁺) and potassium ions (K⁺) can be located in many references. These ions can be found in many foods. The primary sources of K⁺ are fruits and vegetables. Potassium ions aid the conduction of nerve impulses. What is the value of sodium ions in our diet. How much is healthy? How much is too much?

3. Students can survey labels on health foods to discover the levels of salt and monosodium glutamate in them. Lean Cuisine, for example, has very high levels of sodium ion (Na⁺) listed on its labels. What does "low salt" on a label mean?

4. NaCl is used on roads as a "de-icer." Consider the benefits and risks.

5. Research the Solvay Process. (See Demonstration 3, Industrial Inorganic Chemistry module, and Schematic for Industrial Preparation of Na₂CO₃ in the Appendix for more details.)

6. The student is given an unknown white solid. The goal is to identify the cation present in the salt. You might review the demonstrations (flame tests) seen in order to help develop a procedure to achieve this goal. The unknown might consist of Li, Na, K, or Cs salt(s). This project can be given as a paper and pencil exercise, or an actual laboratory research project.

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