Question

Why is sodium stored in kerosene while phosphorus is stored in water?

Answer 1

Sodium is stored in kerosene while phosphorus is stored in water

• Sodium is an $s$-block element. Therefore, it is metal
• Phosphorus is a $p$-block element, so it is non-metal.
• Both elements are extremely reactive and will rapidly react with air, producing a large amount of energy.
• So, they cannot be stored in the open air.

Phosphorus is stored in water:

• Due to the highly reacting nature of phosphorous with air, Phosphorous is kept under water to prevent its reaction with air.

Sodium kept immersed in kerosene oil:

• Sodium is an extremely reactive metal.
• It reacts so violently with the oxygen, carbon dioxide, and moisture in the air that it may even start a fire.
• Sodium does not react with kerosene oil.
• So, Sodium is kept immersed in kerosene oil to prevent this explosive reaction.