Addison Hagarty

Chemistry, Period 4
February 28, 2014

Sodium Nitrate

Sodium nitrate is a salty chemical compound with the formula NaNO
3.
It is generally
colorless or white and it tends to have a powdery consistency. It is harmless to the touch, but can
be dangerous if ingested. Sodium Nitrate is very soluble in water, which means that it can
dissolve quickly, easily, and evenly in most liquids. Generally Sodium Nitrate has little to no
odor unless it is involved in a chemical reaction, but its taste is slightly bitter. Sodium nitrate is
commonly used in fertilizers, older forms of gunpowder, certain food additives, mouthwashes
and gels for treatment of dentine hypersensitivity, and even occasionally as an oxidizer in
fireworks (sodium nitrate). This chemical compound is the result of an ionic bond between
Sodium and Nitrate, and certain safety measures should always be taken to correctly handle or
experiment with sodium nitrate.
Sodium and Nitrate go through the ionic bonding process in order to form NaNO
3
.
Sodium is a chemical element, and it is a soft, silver-white, highly reactive metal in the alkali
family (Schlager, 753). Nitrate is any form of a salt or nitric acid with the elements nitrogen and
oxygen (Multhauf, 110). In the case of sodium nitrate, sodium and nitrate transfer electrons and
bond together to form NaNO
3
. An ionic bond is formed between sodium and nitrate. When one
or more atom loses an electron and other atoms gain them, the bond is called an ionic bond
(Chemical Bonds). Chemical bonds are both made, and broken by chemical reactions. When a
bond is made, energy is absorbed; when a bond is broken, energy is released.

Sodium Nitrate is commonly used to preserve meats, create fertilizer, and to chemically
strengthen glass. It is also occasionally used in pharmaceuticals and explosives (uses of sodium
nitrate). Originally, sodium nitrate was created as a prime way of preserving meats and foods,
but over the years its popularity has grown and it is now used for widely more diverse functions.
As a preservative, sodium nitrate is found in processed meats, such as hot dogs, bologna, salami,
and ham. (Uses of Sodium Nitrate). It is used as a preservative because it helps to prevent the
spread of bacteria that spoils the meat. The nitrate in the compound is helpful in fertilizers
because it aids in the growth, health, and longevity of plants. Sodium nitrate is also involved in a
two-step process that is used to create chemically stronger glass. That glass is later used for
fighter aircrafts. This chemical is also listed as an ingredient in several eye drops, as well an
ingredient in various rocket propellants.
A physical property is an aspect of a chemical that can be observed without changing it,
such as color, weight, and volume. A chemical property is only observable once a chemical
reaction or change has taken place involving the compound (sodium nitrate). Many chemical
compounds can quickly become dangerous if they are excited or experimented with, and most
compounds can be extremely toxic if they are ingested in their natural form. Sodium nitrate can
do much damage to the body under many different circumstances. An increase in the amount of
sodium in the bloodstream can be hazardous and possibly fatal (Brody, 193). Seek medical care
immediately if this chemical is ever ingested, or spilled on, or in, the body. Taking steps to
prevent any harm by the chemical is imperative when experimenting. In order to do so, be sure
to wear protective goggles and do not touch the chemical once it has reacted.
The salty chemical compound of Sodium nitrate has been proven to be a helpful chemical
in multiple ways, but also a dangerous one if not handled correctly.

Its generally white or
colorless complexion is safe to touch before a reaction, but very dangerous if ingested. Sodium
nitrate is commonly used in fertilizers, pharmaceuticals, dental products, food preservatives, and
in many reactions in the chemistry field. The ionic bond between sodium and nitrate forms to
create this new, useful compound. The largest accumulations of naturally occurring sodium
nitrate are found in Chile and Peru, and today they are shipped all over the world in order to
serve purposes in both everyday life, and obscure science and testing (Schlager, 753). Sodium
nitrate is extremely useful to the world population, and it should be used correctly and disposed
of correctly in order for the supply of the compound to stay plentiful and safe.