Question

Which metal is stored under kerosene oil to prevent it from reacting with air?

Answer 1

1. Sodium ($\mathrm{Na}$) is a highly reactive metal which reacts vigorously with the Oxygen, Carbon dioxide and moisture present in the air such that it may even cause a fire and form Sodium hydroxide($\mathrm{NaOH}$) which is a highly exothermic reaction.
2. To prevent this reaction, Sodium is kept immersed in kerosene.
3. As Sodium is very reactive, so it reduces Oxygen(${\mathrm{O}}_2$) and Water(${\mathrm{H}}_2\mathrm{O}$) by being an effective reducing agent.
4. In kerosene, the reduction of compounds also takes place but no more reduction of kerosene oil can take place.
5. Therefore with kerosene oil, Sodium ($\mathrm{Na}$) does not show any reaction.

Therefore, the metal which is stored under kerosene oil to prevent it from reacting with air is Sodium ($\mathrm{Na}$).