Photo AI
Sodium hydride (NaH) reacts with water as follows - VCE - SSCE Chemistry - Question 7 - 2005 - Paper 1
Question 7
Sodium hydride (NaH) reacts with water as follows. NaH(s) + H2O(l) → Na+(aq) + OH−(aq) + H2(g) This reaction should be classified as A. acid-base but not redox. B... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Sodium hydride (NaH) reacts with water as follows - VCE - SSCE Chemistry - Question 7 - 2005 - Paper 1
Step 1
Identify the type of reaction
Answer
The given reaction involves sodium hydride (NaH) reacting with water, resulting in the formation of sodium ions (Na+), hydroxide ions (OH−), and hydrogen gas (H2). First, we need to analyze if the reaction is an acid-base reaction, a redox reaction, or both.
Step 2
Analyze the acid-base characteristics
Answer
In this reaction, NaH acts as a base by donating a hydride ion (H−), which can be interpreted as accepting protons from water (H2O), thus generating hydroxide ions (OH−). Therefore, this showcases the acid-base character as NaH reacts with water.
Step 3
Analyze the redox characteristics
Answer
Next, we must evaluate if the reaction involves any changes in oxidation states. Sodium hydride contains sodium (Na) in the +1 oxidation state and hydrogen in the -1 state. Upon reacting with water, the sodium ion remains in the +1 state, while hydrogen gas is formed at 0 oxidation state. Hence, there is a change in oxidation state, indicating a redox reaction.
Step 4