Mammoth Memory

The reaction between sodium and water

When sodium reacts with water, sodium hydroxide and hydrogen gas are produced. Sodium hydroxide is an alkali.

Sodium + Water Sodium hydroxide + Hydrogen
2Na + 2H2O 2NaOH + H2

 

 Sodium reacts vigorously with water but the heat given off melts the sodium

Sodium and water also react vigorously. Sodium has a low melting point so the heat given off in the reaction is enough to melt the sodium and cause it to form a ball. As hydrogen is produced, it pushes the ball of sodium around on the surface of the water. Sometimes, the hydrogen can ignite and produce an orange flame due to the sodium impurities it contains.

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