Balance Na + H₂O → NaOH + H₂
2 Na(s) + 2 H₂O(l) → 2 NaOH(aq) + H₂(g)
Balance an equation
2Na(s)+2H₂O(l)→2NaOH(aq)+H₂(g)
Balanced
Atoms on each side
| Atom | As writtenleft : right | Balancedleft : right |
|---|---|---|
| Na | 1:1 | 2:2 |
| H | 2:3 | 4:4 |
| O | 1:1 | 2:2 |
Check atoms
How to balance it, step by step
- Count the atoms of each element on both sides, as written.
- Start with the biggest formula, H₂O: put 1 in front of it.
- O: 1 on the left. Put 1 in front of NaOH.
- Na: 1 on the right. Put 1 in front of Na.
- H: 2 on the left, 1 already on the right. Put 1/2 in front of H₂ (1/2 × 2 = 1).
- Clear the fraction: multiply every coefficient by 2.
- Check: Na 2 = 2, H 4 = 4, O 2 = 2. Balanced.
What happens
It is a displacement reaction: a more reactive element pushes a less reactive one out of its compound. Sodium reacts violently with cold water to form sodium hydroxide and hydrogen. So much heat is given out that the hydrogen can catch fire.
Sodium and water: quick answers
What is the balanced equation for sodium and water?
2 Na(s) + 2 H₂O(l) → 2 NaOH(aq) + H₂(g). The coefficients are 2, 2, 2 and 1. Each side then has 2 Na, 4 H and 2 O.
What type of reaction is sodium and water?
It is a displacement reaction: a more reactive element pushes a less reactive one out of its compound. Sodium reacts violently with cold water to form sodium hydroxide and hydrogen. So much heat is given out that the hydrogen can catch fire.
How do you balance Na + H₂O → NaOH + H₂?
Start with the biggest formula, H₂O: put 1 in front of it. O: 1 on the left. Put 1 in front of NaOH. Na: 1 on the right. Put 1 in front of Na. H: 2 on the left, 1 already on the right. Put 1/2 in front of H₂ (1/2 × 2 = 1). Clear the fraction: multiply every coefficient by 2. Never change a subscript, because that would change the substance.