when calcium metal is added to water the gas evolved dose not catch fire but the same gas evolved on adding sodium Metal to water catches fire. why is it so ?
Answers
Answer:
Solution. Sodium is more reactive than calcium. The reaction between sodium and water produces a large amount of heat, which causes the evolved hydrogen to burn and catch fire. But in the reaction between calcium and water, no heat is produced and hence the evolved hydrogen does not catch fire.
Required Answer:-
We know that metals react with water to release Hydrogen gas (H2). Sodium and Calcium, both are metals. Hence, Hydrogen is released in both cases. Now let's see, Why the above phenomenon occurs
Case 1: Sodium + Water
Sodium is a very reactive metal. It reacts with water vigorously because water is the reagent here. As a result, Hydrogen gas is released. The reaction is highly exothermic and violent, hence releases a lot of heat. This causes the hydrogen to burn and catch fire because hydrogen is a combustible gas.
Case 2: Calcium + Water
Calcium is little less reactive as compared to Sodium. The reaction of calcium and water is little less violent and hence the heat is released is not sufficient enough to burn the hydrogen released. Hence, when calcium metal is added to water the gas evolved dose not catch fire.