The equation Zn + 2NaOH -> Zn(OH)2 + 2Na

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

  4. 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.

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