Final answer:
The provided equation describes the reaction of solid sodium with water to produce sodium hydroxide and hydrogen gas. None of the given answer choices accurately describe this reaction. Sodium hydroxide is a strong base that completely dissociates into sodium and hydroxide ions in an aqueous solution.
Step-by-step explanation:
To answer the question related to the reaction between sodium hydroxide and hydrogen gas, we first analyze the given information:
2NaOH(aq) + H₂(g) describes the reaction when sodium metal is placed in water, producing hydrogen gas and sodium hydroxide. The equation depicts the form in which solid sodium reacts with liquid water to produce molecular hydrogen gas and the ionic compound sodium hydroxide, which is a solid in pure form but readily dissolves in water to form aqueous sodium hydroxide (NaOH).
Based on this description, neither of the offered answer choices (a, b, c, or d) accurately reflect the reaction shown by the equation 2NaOH(aq) + H₂(g). All answer options pertain to sodium reacting with various substances, but none describe the production of sodium hydroxide and hydrogen from sodium and water.
The sodium hydroxide formed can dissociate into sodium ions (Na+) and hydroxide ions (OH⁻) when dissolved in water, further categorizing it as a strong base because it disassociates completely in solution. Its uses include applications as a cleaner and in the manufacture of soaps, but it should be handled with care due to its caustic nature.