EXPERIMENT REPORT ON THE REACTION OF SODIUM IN WATER
Theme | Periodic Table, Redox reactions |
Category | Chemistry Experiments, Exhibition Experiments |
Main product | Sodium |
Short description | The sodium is an element that in its ionised state forms compounds with a multitude of elements, sodium hydroxide (caustic soda), sodium bicarbonate, sodium chloride (salt). It is one of the most common chemical elements in nature, however in its metal state it is little known. It produces a violent reaction when placed in water. |
REACTION OF SODIUM IN WATER
Sodium is a metal that must be stored in mineral oil to prevent oxidation. When it comes into contact with water, it generates a violent and spontaneous reaction, oxidising and forming bonds with the OH molecules of the water, which have been left by the reduction of H+ to hydrogen gas. It is therefore a redox reaction.
The reaction is: Na +H2O -> H2 + NaOH
The products generated are therefore hazardous, both hydrogen gas (flammable) and sodium hydroxide (caustic soda, highly corrosive) are products that must be treated with extreme care.
In this video we show you how the reaction of sodium in water works.