Physical and chemical properties of sodium: appearance,melting point,boiling point,reaction with; air,water,chlorine and ammonia
Answer Text: Properties of Sodium;- Is a soft silvery metal with low density; #0.979gcm^(-3)#- Has a low melting point, #97^oC#, and a low boiling point of #883^oC#.Chemical reactions(a) With air- Na is very reactive and tarnishes in moist air to form an oxide layer.#4Na(s)+O_2(g) to 2Na_2O(s)#- The oxide layer reacts with more air moisture to form hydroxide#Na_2O(s) +CO_2(g) to Na_2CO_3(s) + H_2O(l)#Note- Due to those series of reactions sodium is stored under a liquid hydrocarbon e.g. petroleum, kerosene.- Sodium burns in oxygen with a golden yellow flame to form sodium peroxideEquation:#2Na(s) + O_2(g) to Na_2O_2(s)# (White)(b). With water- Na reacts vigorously with water to form NaOH and Hydrogen.Equation:#2Na(s) + 2H_2O(l) to 2NaOH(aq) + H_2(g)#- The resulting solution is highly alkaline with a PH of 14.- Sodium is stored under oil to prevent contact with moisture from the atmosphere.Note:- The reaction between Na and dilute acids would beexplosive and not safe to investigate(c). With chlorine- Sodium burns in chlorine gas;#2Na(s) + Cl_2(g) to 2NaCl(s)#(d) With ammonia gas;- Sodium forms hydrogen and a solid#2Na(s) + NH_3(g) to 2NaNH_2(s) + H_2(g)#SodamideAnd;#NaNH_2(s) + H_2O(l) to NaOH(aq) + NH_3(g)#
Get premium membership