Question

Why is sodium metal kept immersed in kerosene?

Hint:

Potassium is another metal stored under kerosene for the exact same reason.

Answer 1

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Alkali metals like sodium are extremely reactive elements.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Sodium is placed very high in the reactivity series.
If left in the open, it reacts vigorously and spontaneously with oxygen in the air at room temperature to form sodium oxide, and it can even catch fire.
It also reacts violently with moisture (water) in the air to produce sodium hydroxide and highly combustible hydrogen gas, releasing enough heat to ignite the hydrogen.
To protect sodium and prevent accidental fires, it is kept immersed in a liquid like kerosene.
Sodium does not react with kerosene, and the liquid acts as a barrier, cutting off its contact with atmospheric oxygen and moisture.

Step 3: Final Answer:
It is kept in kerosene because it is highly reactive and would catch fire in contact with air or moisture.