When sodium metal is placed in water, the following change occurs: Sodium, Na (s) + Water, H2O (l) → Hydrogen, H₂ (g) + Sodium hydroxide, NaOH (aq) a. Identify the reactants and products and their physical states

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the reactants in the chemical equation: Sodium (Na) and Water (H2O).
2. Determine the physical states of the reactants: Sodium (Na) is a solid (s) and Water (H2O) is a liquid (l).
3. Identify the products in the chemical equation: Hydrogen (H₂) and Sodium hydroxide (NaOH).
4. Determine the physical states of the products: Hydrogen (H₂) is a gas (g) and Sodium hydroxide (NaOH) is aqueous (aq).
5. Summarize the reactants and products with their physical states: Reactants - Sodium (s), Water (l); Products - Hydrogen (g), Sodium hydroxide (aq).

Key Concepts

Reactants and Products

In a chemical reaction, reactants are the starting substances that undergo a change, while products are the substances formed as a result of the reaction. In the given equation, sodium (Na) and water (H2O) are the reactants, and hydrogen gas (H2) and sodium hydroxide (NaOH) are the products.

Physical States

Physical states refer to the distinct forms that different phases of matter take on. In chemical equations, these states are indicated by symbols: (s) for solid, (l) for liquid, (g) for gas, and (aq) for aqueous solution. Understanding these states helps in visualizing the reaction and the conditions under which it occurs.

Chemical Equation

A chemical equation is a symbolic representation of a chemical reaction, showing the reactants on the left and the products on the right, separated by an arrow. It conveys not only the substances involved but also their physical states and the stoichiometry of the reaction, which is essential for understanding the quantities of reactants and products.