- A
- B
- C
- DNaOH
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Correct answer: A, B
Step-by-Step Solution:
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Analyze the reaction conditions: The question asks for the products formed when sodium metal (Na) undergoes combustion in excess air. Air is primarily composed of oxygen (~21%) and nitrogen (~78%), along with other gases like water vapor. Combustion refers to a high-temperature exothermic redox reaction between a fuel (sodium) and an oxidant (oxygen from the air).
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Recall the reactivity of alkali metals with oxygen: The nature of the oxide formed by an alkali metal upon reaction with oxygen depends on the specific metal. The stability of peroxide and superoxide ions increases down the group.
- Lithium (Li) forms the simple oxide, .
- Sodium (Na) primarily forms the peroxide, .
- Potassium (K), Rubidium (Rb), and Cesium (Cs) form superoxides, .
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Identify the major product for sodium: When sodium is burned in an excess supply of air or oxygen, the principal product is sodium peroxide (). The balanced chemical equation for this reaction is:
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Identify the minor product for sodium: While sodium peroxide is the major product in excess oxygen, some amount of the simple sodium oxide () is also invariably formed as a minor product. This happens because the reaction might proceed in steps, or there might be localized regions with a limited supply of oxygen. The formation of sodium oxide occurs when the oxygen supply is limited: Since the question asks for the "compound(s)" formed, we must include both the major and minor products of the reaction with oxygen.
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Evaluate the given options:
- A: (Sodium peroxide): This is the major product of the combustion of sodium in excess air. Therefore, option A is correct.
- B: (Sodium oxide): This is a minor product formed during the combustion of sodium in excess air. Therefore, option B is also correct.
- C: (Sodium superoxide): Sodium superoxide is not typically formed under these conditions. Its formation requires high pressure and temperature. Therefore, option C is incorrect.
- D: NaOH (Sodium hydroxide): Sodium hydroxide can be formed if the primary products ( and ) react with moisture (water vapor) present in the air. However, NaOH is a secondary product of reaction with atmospheric moisture, not a direct product of combustion with oxygen. The question asks for the compounds formed upon combustion, which primarily refers to the reaction with oxygen. Therefore, option D is generally not considered a direct product of combustion.
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Conclusion: Based on the analysis, the compounds formed upon the combustion of sodium in excess air are sodium peroxide () as the major product and sodium oxide () as a minor product. Thus, both options A and B are correct.