Why is Sodium kept Immersed in kerosene Oil

Answer: Sodium is an alkali metal that belongs to the periodic table’s first group. It has an atomic number of 11. It is simple to donate one electron in order to produce a stable electrical state. HCl is a powerful acid that interacts with metals but does not normally react with non-metals. Sodium (Na) is a highly reactive metal that ignites when it comes into touch with oxygen, carbon dioxide, and moisture in the atmosphere or air.

Sodium is highly reactive and vigorously reacts with oxygen, CO₂ or even the moisture present in the air may even cause a fire. Surprisingly, sodium metal is non-reactive in kerosene oil. As a result, the sodium metal is constantly immersed in kerosene oil to reduce the risks of an unintentional fire and serious injuries or damage.

Reactive metals are metals that can react with acids, water or moisture, mineral acids, and other strong acids. In nature, reactive metals such as sodium, potassium, and lithium are extremely flammable. When these reactive metals come into contact with air (in the presence of oxygen or moisture), they catch fire.

Hence they are maintained immersed in kerosene oil to avoid harm from an unintentional fire. Even when submerged in water, sodium metal reacts strongly and creates sodium hydroxide with the release of hydrogen gas. Again, the release of flammable hydrogen gas might result in unintended injury owing to intense ignitions.