Sodium Reacting with Water
2Na + 2H2O → 2NaOH + H2
Overview
Sodium metal reacts violently with water to produce sodium hydroxide and hydrogen gas. The reaction is so exothermic that the hydrogen often ignites, burning with a yellow flame from sodium vapor. The sodium dashes across the water surface as a molten ball due to the heat generated.
Participants
| Role | Substance | Coefficient | State |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reactant | Sodium Na | 2 | (s) |
| Reactant | Water H₂O | 2 | (l) |
| Product | Hydrogen H | 1 | (g) |
| Product | Sodium Hydroxide NaOH | 2 | (aq) |
Everyday Example
Videos of alkali metals being thrown into water are popular science demonstrations, showing sodium's dramatic reaction with water.
Industrial Importance
Understanding sodium-water reactivity is critical for safe handling of sodium metal in the chlor-alkali industry, nuclear reactors (sodium coolant), and chemical storage.
Properties
- Type
- Single Replacement
- Reversible
- No
- Energy
- Exothermic
- ΔH
- -368.6 kJ/mol
Related Reactions
Aluminum Reacting with Hydrochloric Acid
Aluminum Reacting with Iron(III) Oxide (Thermite)
Aluminum Reducing Chromium Oxide (Aluminothermic)
Calcium Reacting with Water
Carbon Reducing Iron Oxide in Blast Furnace
Chlorine Displacing Bromine from Sodium Bromide
Chlorine Displacing Iodine from Potassium Iodide
Copper Displacing Silver from Silver Nitrate
Fluorine Displacing Chlorine from Sodium Chloride
Hydrogen Reducing Copper Oxide
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the equation for Sodium Reacting with Water?
The balanced equation is: 2Na + 2H₂O → 2NaOH + H₂.
What type of reaction is Sodium Reacting with Water?
Sodium Reacting with Water is a single replacement reaction.
Is Sodium Reacting with Water exothermic or endothermic?
Sodium Reacting with Water is exothermic (releases energy). The enthalpy change (ΔH) is -368.6 kJ/mol.