Question

Reaction of sodium peroxide with water can be written as:
$2N{a_2}{O_2} + 2{H_2}O \to 4NaOH + {O_2}$
(A) True
(B) False

Answer 1

Hint : The reaction mentioned in the question is from the topic of peroxides. Along with the main product formed in the reaction, we should also know what the side products are in the given reaction.

Formula used:
Formula of sodium peroxide is $N{a_2}{O_2}$ .

Complete step by step answer: When sodium peroxide is dissolved in cold water, sodium hydroxide and hydrogen peroxide are formed. The reaction follows as:
$N{a_2}{O_2} + 2{H_2}O \to NaOH + {H_2}{O_2}$
This reaction is highly exothermic in nature and water reacts with $NaOH$ vigorously.It is clear from the above mentioned reaction that the one of the products mentioned in the reaction is not correct. Instead of ${H_2}{O_2}$ the product mentioned is ${O_2}$ . So the given statement is not true if we consider that cold water is taken.
However, when hot water is taken, the reaction occurs as: $2N{a_2}{O_2} + 2{H_2}O \to 4NaOH + {O_2}$
which is the same as that mentioned in the question.
So, it is mandatory to know what reactants are used in the reaction as the product depends on the physical state as well.
Thus, option B. is the correct option and the statement is false when the water is cold.
option A. is the correct option and the statement is true when the water is hot.

Note: It is necessary to know if $N{a_2}{O_2}$ is reacting with hot water or cold water. If nothing is mentioned, we will answer the question with both the perspectives. It is an interesting fact that $N{a_2}{O_2}$ is an oxidizing agent.