The above chemical equation represents the chemical reaction between sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and silicon dioxide (SiO2) to form sodium metasilicate (Na2SiO3) and water (H2O).
The balanced and complete equation would be 2NaOH + SiO2 -> Na2SiO3 + H2O.
- Reaction Conditions
This reaction typically occurs at high temperature and in alkaline environment (as NaOH is a strong alkali).
- Reaction Process
When NaOH and SiO2 are combined and heated, molecules of NaOH and SiO2 start to react with each other. During the reaction process, NaOH will provide Na+ to combine with [SiO3]2- from SiO2 to form Na2SiO3, whilst creating H2O.
- Phenomena Occurring
During the reaction process, you will observe a rise in temperature and the formation of the new compound Na2SiO3 in the form of white solid.