Question

The structure of sodium atom is shown in the figure given above. Identify the correct statement.

An atomic sodium ________.

• A. is a non-metal
• B. reacts vigorously with water
• C. is stored in oil to avoid contact with moisture
• D. all of the above

Answer 1

Answer: (B)

reacts vigorously with water

The creation of NaOH is exothermic and will likely release enough energy to ignite the hydrogen gas, which will burn explosively with the oxygen in the atmosphere. Sodium reacts violently with water because it is much more active than hydrogen.

Here is the displacement reaction with water.

$2Na\left(s\right)+2H_{2}O\left(l\right)\to 2N{a}^{+}\left(aq\right)+2O{H}^{-}\left(aq\right)+H_2\left(g\right)$

$s=$solid, $l=$liquid, $aq=$aqueous