Question

in the reaction - CH3CH2OH + Na --> C2H5ONa + H2 how does two hydrogen atoms come in H2 when there are only 6 hydrogen atoms in the LHS

Answer 1

Hydrogen in free state exist as molecules, H2. Two hydrogen atoms come together to form a hydrogen molecule.

This equation needs to be balanced so that the number and kinds of atoms on the left equals the number and kinds of atoms on the right. Therefore, the balanced equation is:

2CH3CH2OH + 2Na ----------> 2C2H5ONa  + H2

Answer 2

Dear student,
The equation mentioned in your question is unbalanced equation. Try to balance it .
2CH3CH2OH  +2Na  -------------> 2C2H5ONa +H2