Question

sodium metal is also readily oxidized by oxygen. if the product of the reaction were dissolved in water, what would be the color of the litmus for a litmus test? explain. what is the product?

Answer 1

Sodium metal oxidised by oxygen : Na + O2 -> Na2O (sodium oxide)

When Na2O dissolves in water, it will form an alkaline solution.
Na2O + H2O -> 2NaOH (sodium hydroxide)

Sodium hydroxide is an alkali. When tested with red litmus paper, the litmus paper will turn blue. This is due to the presence of OH- ions in sodium hydroxide since it already ionised in water.