Reaction of Chlorine with Sodium 1

Summary

This demonstration shows a safe school experiment where chlorine is placed in a flask with sand to protect the glass from heat. A syringe is used to introduce a small piece of sodium into the flask, and a few drops of water are added. The water causes the sodium to ignite and react with the chlorine, forming sodium chloride. The reaction is complete when excess chlorine is removed, leaving behind white sodium chloride.

Takeaways

• 🧪 The reaction being demonstrated is safe for a school environment.
• 🧫 Chlorine is placed in a flask for the reaction setup.
• 🏖 Sand is used to protect the glass from the heat produced during the reaction.
• 💉 A syringe needle is used to pick up a small piece of sodium.
• 📤 The sodium is dropped into the sand using a glass tube.
• 💧 The syringe is used to deliver a few drops of water onto the sodium.
• 🔥 The water causes the sodium to ignite and react with the chlorine.
• 🧂 The product of the reaction is sodium chloride (table salt).
• ⚪ Sodium chloride appears white once excess chlorine is removed from the flask.
• 🔬 This demonstration illustrates the reaction between sodium and chlorine to form salt.

Q & A

What is the purpose of using chlorine in this demonstration?

Chlorine is used to react with sodium, producing sodium chloride as the final product.

Why is sand placed in the flask during the reaction?

The sand is used to protect the glass from the heat generated during the reaction.

What is the role of the syringe in the experiment?

The syringe is used to pick up a small piece of sodium and to deliver a few drops of water to initiate the reaction.

Why is water added to the sodium in the reaction?

Water is added to the sodium to cause it to ignite, which then triggers the reaction with chlorine.

What is the product of the reaction between sodium and chlorine?

The product of the reaction is sodium chloride, commonly known as table salt.

Why does sodium chloride appear white only after excess chlorine is removed?

Sodium chloride appears white only after excess chlorine is removed because chlorine can cause discoloration or may obscure the visibility of the white salt.

What safety precautions are taken during this demonstration?

Sand is used to protect the glass from heat, and the sodium is handled carefully using a syringe and glass tube to prevent accidents.

What triggers the sodium to ignite in this experiment?

The addition of a few drops of water to the sodium causes it to ignite.

Why is it important to remove excess chlorine from the flask after the reaction?

Excess chlorine is removed to reveal the true color and purity of the sodium chloride formed in the reaction.

What is the appearance of sodium chloride after the reaction is complete?

Sodium chloride appears white once excess chlorine is removed from the flask.