Sodium is in Group 1 of the Periodic Table.
Sodium reacts with water to make sodium hydroxide, NaOH, and hydrogen.
Write the balanced symbol equation for the reaction between sodium and water.
Higher Only
Sodium ions, Na+, are formed when sodium reacts with water.
Look at the equation. It shows how a sodium ion is formed from a sodium atom.
Na – e− → Na+
The symbol e− means an electron.
The formation of a sodium ion from a sodium atom is an example of oxidation.
Explain why.
Rubidium is another element in Group 1.
Rubidium reacts much faster than sodium does.
Explain why.
Use ideas about electrons in your answer.
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