Question

Which family does sodium belong to?

• A. Halogen
• B. Chalcogen
• C. Alkali metal
• D. Alkaline earth metal

Hint:

All Group 1 elements of the periodic table are called alkali metals. Sodium \((Na)\) is one of them.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Concept:
Sodium \((Na)\) is an element present in Group 1 of the modern periodic table. The elements of Group 1 are called alkali metals because they form alkaline hydroxides when they react with water. The alkali metal family includes: \[ Li,\ Na,\ K,\ Rb,\ Cs,\ Fr \]

Step 1: Identifying the group of sodium.
The electronic configuration of sodium is: \[ 2,\ 8,\ 1 \] Since sodium has one electron in its outermost shell, it belongs to Group 1. Group 1 elements are known as alkali metals. \[ \boxed{\text{Sodium belongs to alkali metal family}} \]

Step 2: Checking the remaining options.

• Halogens belong to Group 17.
• Chalcogens belong to Group 16.
• Alkaline earth metals belong to Group 2. Thus, these options are incorrect for sodium. Therefore, the correct answer is: \[ \boxed{(3)\ \text{Alkali metal}} \]