10. Explain the reaction of sodium and water, with the help of an activity.

The reaction between sodium and water is a highly exothermic and potentially dangerous chemical reaction. When sodium comes into contact with water, it reacts vigorously, releasing hydrogen gas and heat. Here's an activity to demonstrate this reaction in a controlled environment:

Activity: Sodium and Water Reaction

Materials Needed:

1. Small piece of sodium metal (about the size of a pea or smaller, handled with caution)
2. Small dish or container of water
3. Safety goggles
4. Tweezers or tongs (non-metallic)
5. Heat-resistant surface or container (such as a ceramic dish)

Procedure:

1. Safety Precautions: Put on safety goggles to protect your eyes from potential splashes or flying debris. Ensure you are working in a well-ventilated area with a fire extinguisher nearby, as this reaction can produce flammable hydrogen gas and heat.

2. Handling Sodium: Carefully pick up the small piece of sodium metal using tweezers or tongs. Handle the sodium with extreme caution, as it is reactive and can ignite spontaneously when exposed to air or moisture.

3. Reaction Setup: Place the small dish or container of water on a heat-resistant surface. Gently lower the piece of sodium into the water using the tweezers or tongs, ensuring it is fully submerged.

4. Observation:

   • Observe the reaction carefully from a safe distance. You should notice immediate fizzing and bubbling as the sodium reacts with water.
   • Heat is released rapidly during the reaction, causing the water to boil vigorously.
   • Hydrogen gas is produced as a byproduct of the reaction, which may be observed as bubbles rising to the surface of the water.

Explanation:

• The reaction between sodium and water is highly exothermic, meaning it releases a large amount of heat energy. This is evident from the rapid boiling of the water and the formation of steam.
• The reaction can be represented by the following chemical equation: 2Na(s) + 2H2O(l)→2NaOH(aq) + H2(g)2Na(s) + 2H2O(l)→2NaOH(aq) + H2(g)
• In this reaction, sodium metal (Na) reacts with water (H2O) to produce sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and hydrogen gas (H2).
• The vigorous bubbling and fizzing observed during the reaction are due to the rapid evolution of hydrogen gas.
• Sodium hydroxide is a strong alkaline solution, which may be observed as a clear or slightly cloudy liquid in the reaction vessel.

Safety Precautions:

• Handle sodium metal with extreme caution, as it is highly reactive and can ignite spontaneously upon contact with air or moisture.
• Work in a well-ventilated area and wear safety goggles to protect your eyes from potential hazards.
• Dispose of any remaining sodium safely and according to local regulations after completing the activity.

This activity provides a visual demonstration of the highly exothermic and reactive nature of the reaction between sodium and water, highlighting the importance of caution and safety when working with reactive metals.