Sodium does not occur in nature as Na (s)because ________. A)it is easily reduced to Na^- B)it is easily oxidized to Na⁺ C)it reacts with water with great difficulty D)it is easily replaced by silver in its ores E)it undergoes a disproportionation reaction to Na^- and Na⁺

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Sodium readily reacts with oxygen in the air to form sodium oxide (Na2O), which then reacts with water to form sodium hydroxide (NaOH). This means that pure sodium metal is difficult to obtain and is usually produced through electrolysis of sodium compounds, such as sodium chloride (NaCl). When exposed to air, sodium metal can also react to form a mixture of Na2O and Na2O2, which are both oxidized forms of sodium (Na). Therefore, pure elemental sodium does not occur in nature as Na (s).

Sodium Does Not Occur in Nature as Na (S)because ________