Question

How do metals react with oxygen? Give the general formula and explain the reaction of sodium with oxygen with the chemical equation.

a) Metals react with oxygen to form oxides; general formula: M+O2→MO
b) Metals react with nitrogen to form nitrides; general formula: M+N2→MN2
​c) Metals react with sulfur to form sulfides; general formula: M+S2→MS
d) Metals do not react with oxygen

Answer 1

Metals react with oxygen to form various oxides, with the general reaction M + O2 → MO. Sodium can form sodium oxide, peroxide, or superoxide with oxygen, with reactions depending on specific conditions.

Step-by-step explanation:

Metals react with oxygen to form oxides, which is a common type of combination reaction. The general formula for the reaction of a metal (M) with oxygen (O2) is M + O2 → MO. For example, when sodium reacts with oxygen, the reaction can produce sodium oxide, peroxide or superoxide depending on the conditions. The chemical equation for the formation of sodium oxide is:

4Na(s) + O2(g) → 2Na2O(s)

This reaction typically occurs at elevated temperatures. Sodium may also react with oxygen to form sodium peroxide or superoxide in different conditions:

2Na(s) + O2(g) → Na2O2(s)

Na(s) + O2(g) → NaO2(s)

These reactions demonstrate the propensity of metals to form various oxides depending on their reactivity and the reaction conditions.