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Ch.3 - Molecules, Compounds & Chemical Equations
All textbooksTro 4th EditionCh.3 - Molecules, Compounds & Chemical EquationsProblem 103
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Chapter 3, Problem 103

In a popular classroom demonstration, solid sodium is added to liquid water and reacts to produce hydrogen gas and aqueous sodium hydroxide. What is the balanced chemical equation for this reaction?

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1
Identify the reactants and products in the reaction: solid sodium (Na), liquid water (H2O), hydrogen gas (H2), and aqueous sodium hydroxide (NaOH).
Write the unbalanced chemical equation: Na(s) + H2O(l) -> H2(g) + NaOH(aq).
Balance the equation by ensuring the number of atoms of each element is the same on both sides. Start with sodium (Na): 2 Na(s) + H2O(l) -> H2(g) + 2 NaOH(aq).
Balance the hydrogen atoms. There are 2 hydrogen atoms in H2O and 2 in H2, so adjust the water molecules: 2 Na(s) + 2 H2O(l) -> H2(g) + 2 NaOH(aq).
Finally, check the oxygen atoms. There are 2 oxygen atoms on both sides, so the equation is balanced: 2 Na(s) + 2 H2O(l) -> H2(g) + 2 NaOH(aq).
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