The metal kept in kerosene
Sodium reacts so strongly that it is hidden from air and water.
The kerosene bottle
In a school laboratory, a metal called sodium is stored in a bottle of kerosene. Why not in an ordinary bottle of air, or in water?
Where do you think a piece of sodium would be safest?
What this lesson covers
The idea
Sodium is a metal that reacts vigorously with oxygen and water, generating a lot of heat.
The kerosene bottle
In a school laboratory, a metal called sodium is stored in a bottle of kerosene. Why not in an ordinary bottle of air, or in water?
Where do you think a piece of sodium would be safest?
- In the open air
- In water
- In kerosene
Sodium in three places
Tap each container to drop in a piece of sodium. Watch what happens in the air, in water and in kerosene.
A very active metal
Sodium is a metal that reacts vigorously with oxygen and water, and a lot of heat is generated in the reaction.
Storing sodium in kerosene keeps it away from air and moisture, so it stays safe.
Compare an iron nail: it takes days in moist air to get a little rust. Sodium does not wait.
- Sodium is kept in | What happens
- Air (oxygen) | vigorous reaction, a lot of heat
- Water | vigorous reaction, a lot of heat
- Kerosene | no air or water reaches it: safe
Notes
Sodium reacts vigorously with oxygen and water and gives out a lot of heat. It is stored in kerosene to keep it away from air and moisture.
Check yourself
Why is sodium stored in kerosene?
What is given out when sodium reacts with oxygen and water?
Which metal reacts much more vigorously with air and water?
Which is the safest place to keep sodium?
- Kerosene keeps air and water away from it — correct. Yes! Sodium reacts vigorously with oxygen and water.
- Kerosene makes sodium shiny. That is not why. It is for safety.
- Sodium dissolves in kerosene. It is stored in kerosene to keep it away from air and moisture.
- A lot of heat — correct. Yes! The reaction is vigorous and generates a lot of heat.
- Nothing at all. The reaction is vigorous. A lot of heat is generated.
- A lot of cold. The reaction gives out heat, not cold.
- An iron nail. Iron rusts slowly, over days.
- Sodium — correct. Yes! Sodium reacts vigorously and gives out a lot of heat.
- A copper coin. A copper coin only slowly gets a green coating.
- In a jar of kerosene — correct. Yes! It keeps out both air and moisture.
- In a bowl of water. Sodium reacts vigorously with water.
- Open on a table. In open air it reacts vigorously with oxygen and water vapour.