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Detailed information about the equation Zn + 2NaOH -> Zn(OH)2 + 2Na:
- The equation shows the reaction between zinc metal (Zn) and a sodium hydroxide solution (NaOH), producing zinc hydroxide (Zn(OH)2) and sodium (Na).
- This is a redox reaction.
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Reaction conditions:
- This reaction takes place when zinc comes into contact with a sodium hydroxide solution.
- Sometimes, environmental temperature is needed to speed up the reaction.
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Reaction process:
- Zinc, a fairly active metal, reacts with a sodium hydroxide solution to produce zinc hydroxide, a solid that is insoluble in water, and sodium, an extremely active metal.
- Zinc is oxidized from the oxidation state of 0 in Zn to +2 in Zn(OH)2, while sodium is reduced from the oxidation state of +1 in NaOH to 0 in Na.
- This is a non-equilibrium reaction, meaning that the mixture of products contains both reactants and products.
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Phenomena occurring:
- When the reaction occurs, you can see changes in color and temperature.
- A significant amount of heat is released, causing the sodium hydroxide solution to heat up.
- Zinc hydroxide appears as a white precipitate in the solution.
- Especially, sodium usually glows red as it escapes from the solution.