Question

What happens when 

(i) sodium metal is dropped in water, 

(ii) sodium metal is heated in free supply of air, 

(iii) sodium peroxide dissolves in water

Answer 1

(i)  When sodium metal is dropped in water, hydrogen gas is evolved which catches fire.

(ii)  When sodium metal is heated in a free supply of air, sodium peroxide (Na₂O₂) along with small amount of sodium oxide is formed. 

(iii) When sodium peroxide is dissolved in water, hydrogen peroxide is produced.