Question

There is no sodium found in nature in pure form due to its reactivity. What does this say about activation energy of the reaction of sodium and water compared to the combustion of wax in a candle?

Answer 1

The activation energy of a chemical reaction is the energy that is required to be supplied for a chemical reaction to take place. The activation energy for the reaction of sodium is low compared to the energy released such that the reaction of sodium and water is spontaneous resulting in the melting of the sodium into liquid form

The activation energy of a candle wax is much higher, requiring the ignition of the wick which burns and in turn melts the candle wax to release vapors that burns alongside the wick to produce sooth carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide and water vapor and release of heat energy which also fuels further combustion of the candle wax and wick

Therefore, the activation energy of the candle wax and wick which require the heat of direct flame from an ignited matches is higher than the activation energy of sodium placed in a medium of water that reacts spontaneously without heat application

Step-by-step explanation: