Compare the activity of sodium and iron with water and dilute acids
Answers
Answer:
Sodium reacts fairly violently with water. Hydrogen gas is generated, which can be observed in the formation of bubbles in the solution. Another indicator a reaction occurs is the change in the pH. Initially, the water has a pH of 7, which is neutral. In addition to hydrogen being generated sodium hydroxide is generated, which is a base. The pH of the resulting solution will be greater than 7. The equation for this reaction is:
2Na (s) + 2H2 O (l) → 2NaOH (aq) + H2 (g)
Let's see how sodium reacts with oxygen.
Elemental sodium does react with oxygen, which is why it has to be stored in special oil. The reaction with sodium and oxygen is:
4Na (s) + O2 (g) → 2Na2 O (s)
There is also a transfer of electrons in this reaction from the sodium atoms to the oxygen atoms. When sodium reacts with oxygen it turns a yellowish color.
Yellow light from a sodium lamp
sodium