Question

Sodium (Na) and water (H2O) undergo a chemical reaction that produces sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and hydrogen gas (H2). Which equation represents this chemical reaction?

A. H2 + 2H2O -> 2Na + 2NaOH
B. 2Na + 2H2O -> 2NaOH + H2
C. 2Na + H2 -> 2NaOH + 2H2O
D. 2Na + 2NaOH -> 2H2O + H2

Answer 1

The correct chemical equation representing the reaction of sodium with water to produce sodium hydroxide and hydrogen gas is 2Na + 2H2O → 2NaOH + H2.

Step-by-step explanation:

The chemical reaction that occurs when sodium (Na) reacts with water (H2O) to produce sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and hydrogen gas (H2) is represented by the following balanced equation:

2Na + 2H2O → 2NaOH + H2

In this reaction, two moles of solid sodium react with two moles of liquid water to form two moles of sodium hydroxide, which is ionic and highly soluble in water, along with one mole of molecular hydrogen gas. The sodium hydroxide that forms will disassociate into sodium (Na+) and hydroxide (OH−) ions when dissolved in water. This reaction is exothermic and can be vigorous.