Main Group Elements- Oxidation of Sodium

Oxidation of Sodium

Description: A  piece of sodium is placed in water containing phenolphthalein. A pink trail ensues as the sodium moves over the water’s surface.

This demonstration is also available on video and JCE Software “Chemistry Comes Alive!”  Vol 2 CD-Rom

Source: Elay, Jr., James & Summerlin, Lee  Chemical Demonstrations: A Sourcebook for Teachers: 2nd Edition

Year: 1985   Vol: 1   Page: 139

Keywords: Sodium, Phenolphthalein, Water, Oxidation, Hydrogen

Ratings:

Hazard: Medium

• Flammability hazard
• Skin corrosion hazard
• Produces flammable gas during reaction
• Mild toxicity hazard
• Mutagenicity hazard
• Electric shock hazard
• Spill hazard

Effectiveness: Good

• Good connection from demo to course material
• Results are clearly observable without guidance
• High reliability
• Time to results is low
• Moderate effects are seen  by audience
• Primary and secondary effects are observed

Difficulty: Medium

• Sequential steps required
• Some sequential manipulations
• Procedures with some intermediate steps to results
• Demos in which a display is used

Safety Precautions:

• Eye protection required
• Gloves required
• Use of UL approved three-prong plug and outlet if necessary
• Perform in a well-ventilated area
• ABC fire extinguisher on hand
• Avoid inhalation of vapors or droplets during presentation
• Absorbent materials on hand
• Tongs recommended
• Perform on a chemically resistant surface
• Handle liquids with care

Class: Main Group Elements, Oxidation Reduction, Gas Producing Reaction

Division: General

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