Question

When dealing with a spillage of metallic sodium it is important that no toxic or flammable products are formed. Which material should be used if there is a spillage of metallic sodium?
A.Dilute hydrochloric acid
B.Ethanol
C.Sand
D.Water spray

Answer 1

Hint: Whenever there is spillage of any material, in order to collect or remove the spilled material, it is necessary to use compounds that are non – reactive with that chemical species.

Complete Step-by-Step Answer:
Before we move forward with the solution of the given question, let us first understand some important basic concepts
Sodium is a highly reactive element and can potentially react with any and all chemical substances. Let us discuss the reactivity of sodium with the compounds given in the solution.
1.Dilute hydrochloric acid:
Sodium metal reacts with dilute hydrochloric acid to form sodium chloride salt. This reaction also results in the release of hydrogen gas, which is extremely flammable. The chemical reaction for the same can be given as:
 \[2Na + 2HCl \to 2NaCl + {H_2} \uparrow \]
2.Ethanol:
Sodium reacts with ethanol to give sodium ethanoate. This reaction also results in the release of hydrogen gas. The chemical reaction for the same can be given as:
 \[2Na + 2{C_2}{H_5}OH \to 2{C_2}{H_5}ONa + {H_2} \uparrow \]
3.Sand:
Sand does not react with metallic sodium and it also serves as a coating to protect sodium from any reaction.
4.Water spray:
Sodium reacts violently with water to form sodium hydroxide and releases a lot of energy. Also, it releases hydrogen gas. The chemical reaction for the same can be given as:
 \[2Na + 2{H_2}O \to 2NaOH + {H_2} \uparrow \]

Hence, Option C is the correct option

Note: If we use a compound that can react and form products with the spilled species, then there is a chance that due to the external factors, or maybe just because of the chemical properties of the involved chemicals may cause the formation of more harmful and undesired products.