Question

Give reasons for the following :
Sodium metal should be stored in kerosene

Answer 1

Sodium is a very reactive metal. It is kept in kerosene to prevent it from coming in contact with oxygen and moisture. If this happens, it will react with the moisture present in air and form sodium hydroxide. This is a strongly exothermic reaction, and lot of heat is generated.Mar 29, 2016

Answer 2

Dear Student,

◆ Sodium metal should be stored in kerosene because -

• Sodium metal is highly reactive in nature.
• When sodium comes in contact with moisture, it forms sodium hydroxide.
• This is a dangerous exothermic reaction as kpt of heat is released here.
• On the other hand, sodium is relatively unreactive towards kerosene.
• Hence, sodium metal is stored in kerosene to avoid its contact from water/moisture.

Thanks dear...