Question

What is the chemical name for $Na_2O$?

Answer 1

Hint: We know that a Chemical name is an expression that is used to denote the number and types of elements that are present in one molecule of a compound. The chemical formula of sodium oxide contains two sodium atoms and one oxygen atom.

Complete step-by-step answer:
Sodium is a chemical element with the symbol $Na$ and atomic number \[11\]. It is an alkali metal that forms metal hydroxide which is alkaline in nature. Oxygen is found in the atmosphere. It is a highly reactive nonmetal and has a chemical symbol $O$ and an atomic number of \[~8\]. It forms oxides with elements and behaves as an oxidizing agent. Oxygen is used for respiration and is mainly used to manufacture steel. It takes two oxygen atoms to form one oxygen molecule and therefore, it is written as ${{O}_{2}}$

The given compound is an ionic compound where compound contains metal sodium and non-metal oxygen. Sodium is located in group \[1\] of the Periodic Table, which means that an atom of sodium has $1$ valence electron. Sodium loses one electron in order to attain a stable configuration and thus change into sodium cation. Oxygen is located in group \[16\]of the Periodic Table, which means that an atom of oxygen has 6 valence electrons. Oxygen gain \[2\] electrons and forms the oxide anion, \[{{O}^{2-}}\] to get an octet configuration. Use the name of the cation first and the name of the anion last for naming the compound. The compound is named Sodium oxide.

Note: Remember that sodium is a highly reactive element that is stored under oil so that it does not react with air and water. It readily reacts with water. It is a very soft metal that can be cut with even a butter knife. It is an essential element for our body to maintain water balance and proper muscle functioning.