Question

Does sodium explode in the air?

Answer 1

Hint: We need to know that sodium is a chemical element having the symbol $'Na'$ with atomic number \[11\]. The sodium is silvery white in colour with a soft appearance. And it is a highly reactive alkali metal. The sodium belongs in the first group and third period. The stable isotope of the sodium is \[^{23}Na\] and the sodium does not occur as a free metal in nature. Hence, it should be prepared from the compounds. And sodium is the sixth most abundant element in nature.

Complete answer:
We need to know that the sodium will explode in the air. Because, the sodium is a highly reactive metal and it will strongly react with the oxygen, carbon dioxide and humidity which is present in the air. Hence, there is a chance to spark and burn. Therefore, the sodium is always kept in the kerosene to avoid the explosive reaction. Because, the sodium will not react with the kerosene.
When the sodium reacts with the oxygen, there is a formation of oxide which is known as sodium oxide and it has the touch of yellow sodium peroxide. If it is kept open in the air, it vigorously reacts with the moisture and easily catches fire.

Note:
We have to know that sodium is a highly reactive metal which is present in group one, and it easily reacts with the moisture and oxygen which is present in the air and there is a chance of an explosion. The sodium oxide is an unstable compound. Hence, it easily reacts with the hydrogen and there is a formation of sodium hydroxide. The oxidation state of sodium is \[ + 1\].