what happen when a 2mm piece of sodium is placed into a large beaker containing water that has several drops of phenolphthalein

1 answer

When a 2mm piece of sodium is placed into a large beaker containing water with drops of phenolphthalein, a reaction will occur. Sodium is a highly reactive metal and reacts vigorously with water.

The sodium will react with the water to form sodium hydroxide and hydrogen gas. This reaction is exothermic, meaning it releases heat. The hydrogen gas will be produced as bubbles and will quickly rise to the surface of the water.

The phenolphthalein, which is a pH indicator, will turn pink in the presence of the sodium hydroxide that is formed during the reaction. This change in color indicates that the solution has become basic.

Overall, when a 2mm piece of sodium is placed into a large beaker containing water with phenolphthalein, a vigorous reaction will occur, producing sodium hydroxide, hydrogen gas, and causing the phenolphthalein to change color to pink.