(a) Why is sodium kept immersed in kerosene oil?
(b) Why is white phosphorus kept immersed under water?
(c) Can we keep sodium immersed under water? Why?
(a) Why is sodium kept immersed in kerosene oil?
(b) Why is white phosphorus kept immersed under water?
(c) Can we keep sodium immersed under water? Why?
(a)Sodium is a highly reactive element. If it is kept in open it can explosively react with oxygen to catch fire. Hence to prevent accidental damage sodium is immersed in kerosene oil.
(b)White phosphorus is a translucent white solid, is poisonous and insoluble in water. It glows in the dark (Chemiluminescence). It is less stable and hence, more reactive. It is soluble in carbon disulphide. Its molecular formula is P4. It is stored under water because it is highly reactive, and spontaneously combusts when exposed to the air.
(c)Sodium cannot be stored in water because the reaction of sodium and water is highly exothermic. During this reaction hydrogen gas is produces which catches fire due to heat released during the reaction. Since kerosene and water do not mix with each other and kerosene is cheap also, i.e. why sodium is kept under kerosene and not under water. And, yes, if sodium is kept in the air(i.e. without any liquid state of water present near it), then also, sodium catches fire as the moisture/water vapour present in the air reacts with the metal and it bursts into flames.
(a)Sodium is a highly reactive element. If it is kept in open it can explosively react with oxygen to catch fire. Hence to prevent accidental damage sodium is immersed in kerosene oil.
(b)White phosphorus is a translucent white solid, is poisonous and insoluble in water. It glows in the dark (Chemiluminescence). It is less stable and hence, more reactive. It is soluble in carbon disulphide. Its molecular formula is P4. It is stored under water because it is highly reactive, and spontaneously combusts when exposed to the air.
(c)Sodium cannot be stored in water because the reaction of sodium and water is highly exothermic. During this reaction hydrogen gas is produces which catches fire due to heat released during the reaction. Since kerosene and water do not mix with each other and kerosene is cheap also, i.e. why sodium is kept under kerosene and not under water. And, yes, if sodium is kept in the air(i.e. without any liquid state of water present near it), then also, sodium catches fire as the moisture/water vapour present in the air reacts with the metal and it bursts into flames.
