Question

Write the balanced equation to describe the reaction between Sodium metal and cold water. What would be observed when a burning candle is brought near the reaction mixture.

Answer 1

The reaction between Sodium and cold water

The balanced equation of the reaction between sodium metal and cold water is:

$$\begin{gathered} 2\mathrm{Na}\left(\mathrm{s}\right)+2{\mathrm{H}}_2\mathrm{O}\left(\mathrm{l}\right)\to 2\mathrm{NaOH}\left(\mathrm{aq}\right)+{\mathrm{H}}_2\left(\mathrm{g}\right) \\ \mathrm{Sodium}\mathrm{water}\mathrm{Sodium}\mathrm{Hydrogen} \\ \mathrm{metal}\mathrm{hydroxide}\mathrm{gas} \end{gathered}$$

Here for a candle to burn, there should be a reaction of hot gas with oxygen. When we move a candle near the mouth of the jar that contains hydrogen, then it will react with the oxygen in the air and it will burn.

Hence, when a burning candle is brought near the reaction mixture, the candle will be extinguished and there's a burning of gas with a pop sound.