Question

For the reaction of sodium with water, the balanced equation using the smallest whole numbers has which of the following coefficients ?
I. 1
II. 2
III. 3
Select the correct option.
(A). 1st only
(B). 3rd only
(C). 1st and 2nd only
(D). 2nd and 3rd only
(E). 1st , 2nd and 3rd

Answer 1

In this question , if we react sodium with water , then sodium metal reacts very fast with water to form a colorless solution of sodium hydroxide $\left( {NaOh} \right)$ and hydrogen gas $\left( {{H_2}} \right)$ . Form a balanced equation and calculate the answer.

Complete step by step answer:
As here the following reaction shows the balanced chemical equation and this equation is by using the smallest whole number that has coefficients 1 and 2 .
Therefore , sodium reacts with water and has to form sodium hydroxide and hydrogen .
The balance chemical equation is :
$2Na + 2{H_2}O \to 2NaOH + {H_2}$
Here , we have 2 moles of hydrogen on the reactant side and 2 on the product side that means the equation is balanced .
When the sodium is added to water , the sodium metals to form a ball that moves around on the surface . After that , it fizzes rapidly and hydrogen is produced that may burn with an orange flame before the sodium disappears .
Hence the correct option is C.

Note:
Sodium is highly reactive metal and it is kept immersed in kerosene because sodium does not react with kerosene . If sodium reacts vigorously with the oxygen , carbon dioxide and with the moisture present in the air such that it may even cause a fire .