When sulphuric acid reacts with sodium, sodium metal dissolves readily in dilute sulphuric acid to form solutions containing the aquated Na(I) ion together with hydrogen gas, H2. This is a vigorous and exothermic chemical reaction, characteristic of active metals reacting with acids.
The Chemical Reaction Explained
Sodium (Na), being a highly reactive alkali metal, readily donates an electron to form a positive ion. Sulphuric acid (H₂SO₄) acts as a source of hydrogen ions (H⁺). The reaction proceeds as a single displacement, where sodium displaces hydrogen from the acid.
Key Products Formed
The primary products of this reaction are:
- Sodium Sulfate (Na₂SO₄): Formed as an aquated Na(I) ion solution. This is a salt that remains dissolved in the water component of the dilute acid.
- Hydrogen Gas (H₂): Released as bubbles during the reaction. Hydrogen gas is highly flammable and lighter than air.
Reaction Equation
The balanced chemical equation for the reaction between sodium and dilute sulphuric acid is:
2Na(s) + H₂SO₄(aq) → Na₂SO₄(aq) + H₂(g)
Where:
Na(s)represents solid sodium metal.H₂SO₄(aq)represents aqueous (dilute) sulphuric acid.Na₂SO₄(aq)represents aqueous sodium sulfate solution.H₂(g)represents hydrogen gas.
Characteristics of the Reaction
This reaction is known for several distinct characteristics:
- Vigorousness: Sodium is a very reactive metal, and its reaction with acids is typically rapid and energetic.
- Exothermic Nature: A significant amount of heat is released, making the reaction exothermic. This can cause the solution to heat up considerably and, in some cases, ignite the hydrogen gas produced if enough heat is generated or an ignition source is present.
- Gas Evolution: The visible bubbling indicates the production of hydrogen gas.
Summary of Reaction Components
| Component | Description |
|---|---|
| Reactants | |
| Sodium (Na) | A soft, silvery-white, highly reactive alkali metal. |
| Sulphuric Acid (H₂SO₄) | A strong mineral acid, typically used in dilute form for this reaction to control vigor. |
| Products | |
| Sodium Sulfate (Na₂SO₄) | A salt formed from sodium ions and sulfate ions, which dissolves to form a clear solution. |
| Hydrogen Gas (H₂) | A colorless, odorless, highly flammable gas, produced as bubbles during the reaction. |
| Reaction Type | Single Displacement Reaction (specifically, a metal-acid reaction) |
Safety Considerations
Due to the vigorous and exothermic nature of this reaction and the production of highly flammable hydrogen gas, it is crucial to handle sodium and strong acids with extreme caution in a controlled laboratory environment. Direct contact can cause severe burns, and the liberated hydrogen gas poses a fire and explosion hazard.
