The above chemical equation describes the oxidation reaction between sodium (Na) and oxygen (O2) to form sodium oxide (Na2O). In this reaction, 4 moles of sodium react with 1 mole of oxygen to produce 2 moles of sodium oxide.
- Reaction conditions:
This reaction easily takes place at room temperature, but it will happen faster if the temperature increases. In addition, sodium needs to be in a solid state and oxygen in a gaseous state.
- The reaction process:
The reaction process begins when sodium is placed in an environment containing oxygen. Solid sodium reacts with gaseous oxygen, this process generates heat, which makes the reaction happen faster. The final product of the reaction is sodium oxide, a white solid substance.
- Phenomena that occur:
When the reaction occurs, you will observe the phenomenon of sodium starting to burn brightly and quickly transforming into a white solid substance, which is sodium oxide. If the reaction happens quickly and generates a lot of heat, it can also produce light and sound due to the rapid expansion of gas.