Question

<!--td {border: 1px solid #ccc;}br {mso-data-placement:same-cell;}--> A metal (M) is stored under kerosene. When a small piece of it is left open in the air, it catches fire. When the product formed is dissolved in water, it turns red litmus to blue. (a) Name the metal (M). (b) Write the chemical equation for the reaction when it is exposed to air and when the product is dissolved in water.

Answer 1

<!--td {border: 1px solid #ccc;}br {mso-data-placement:same-cell;}--> (a)The metal is Sodium.
(b)Sodium is the most reactive and react with oxygen in the air at room temperature to form the oxide.
$\text{4 Na}$ + ${\text{O}}_2$ → ${\text{2Na}}_2$$\text{O}$
Reaction with water gives sodium hydroxide.
${\text{Na}}_2$$\text{O}$ + ${\text{H}}_2$$\text{O}$ →$\text{2 NaOH}$