How do you balance sodium in water?

Balancing the chemical equation for the reaction of sodium with water, Na + H₂O = NaOH + H₂, requires adjusting the coefficients to ensure the number of atoms of each element is the same on both sides of the equation.

Here's how you balance the equation step-by-step:

1. Start with the unbalanced equation:
   Na + H₂O → NaOH + H₂

2. Count the atoms of each element on both sides:

   • Left side (Reactants):
     • Na: 1
     • H: 2
     • O: 1
   • Right side (Products):
     • Na: 1
     • H: 3 (1 from NaOH + 2 from H₂)
     • O: 1

3. Balance hydrogen first. Since hydrogen appears as 2 on the left and 3 on the right, you'll need to find a common multiple. Place a coefficient of 2 in front of H₂O on the left and a coefficient of 2 in front of NaOH on the right.
   2 H₂O + Na → 2 NaOH + H₂

4. Recount the atoms:

   • Left side (Reactants):
     • Na: 1
     • H: 4
     • O: 2
   • Right side (Products):
     • Na: 1
     • H: 4 (2 from 2NaOH + 2 from H₂)
     • O: 2

5. Balance sodium. Now sodium is no longer balanced. There is one on the left and two on the right. Place a 2 in front of Na on the left.
   2Na + 2 H₂O → 2 NaOH + H₂

6. Final Check: Make sure the number of atoms for each element is the same on both sides.

   • Left side: Na: 2, H: 4, O: 2
   • Right side: Na: 2, H: 4, O: 2

The balanced chemical equation is: 2Na + 2H₂O → 2NaOH + H₂