Join 60,000+ competitive exam aspirants
or with email
Your Cart
SubtotalтВ╣0
TotalтВ╣0
Examoogle тАв User тАв info@examoogle.com тАв EE-2024-8821
Chapter 1 of 12 тАв Page 1 of 248ЁЯФТ Protected PDF тАв Watermarked
Join 60,000+ competitive exam aspirants
Which metal is stored under kerosene to prevent it from reacting with oxygen and moisture in the air?
Sodium
Magnesium
Copper
Iron
Sodium
Sodium is an alkali metal belonging to Group 1, which exhibits high chemical reactivity. It reacts vigorously with atmospheric oxygen and moisture, necessitating its storage in kerosene oil to create an inert barrier.
Sodium is an alkali metal belonging to Group 1, which exhibits high chemical reactivity. It reacts vigorously with atmospheric oxygen and moisture, necessitating its storage in kerosene oil to create an inert barrier.
Think of sodium like a very social person who tries to talk to everyone they see; kerosene is like a soundproof room that keeps them isolated from the environment so they don't get into trouble.
SPK: Sodium (S) Protect in Kerosene (K).
4Na+O2тАЛтЖТ2Na2тАЛO тАФ Reaction of sodium with oxygen
2Na+2H2тАЛOтЖТ2NaOH+H2тАЛтЖС тАФ Reaction of sodium with water
Sodium has a very low ionization energy and a high affinity for oxygen and water. Upon exposure to air, it reacts to form sodium oxide, and in the presence of moisture, it forms sodium hydroxide and hydrogen gas, releasing enough heat to potentially ignite the hydrogen. Kerosene is a non-polar hydrocarbon that does not react with sodium and is less dense, keeping the metal fully submerged and isolated from the atmosphere.
Sodium is a soft metal that can be cut with a knife.
Alkali metals (Group 1) become more reactive as you move down the periodic table.
Kerosene acts as a liquid seal, preventing direct contact with air and moisture.
Prevents spontaneous combustion due to oxidation.
Maintains the metallic purity of the sample.
Kerosene is flammable.
Requires careful handling to avoid oily residue on the metal.
Laboratory storage of reactive alkali metals.
Used in the preparation of organometallic compounds.
Sodium density is approximately 0.97g/cm3, while kerosene is roughly 0.80g/cm3.
Option B (Magnesium) is less reactive and forms a protective oxide layer.
Option C (Copper) is a noble metal and does not react with air at room temperature.
Option D (Iron) reacts slowly with oxygen and water (rusting) but does not require kerosene.
A is correct тАФ Sodium is an extremely reactive metal that reacts violently with oxygen and water, requiring storage under inert liquid hydrocarbons like kerosene.
Always remember that Group 1 metals (Li, Na, K, Rb, Cs) follow the same storage principles due to their high reactivity.
Get instant step-by-step AI explanations, full shift Previous Year Papers (SSC GD, RRB, SSC JE), and regional rank analysis on the official Examoogle App.
Free Download тАв 100K+ Aspirants