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Lesson: Chapter 3 — The Structure of Matter

3.6. Metals, non-metals and metalloids 6 of 19

Question 6

What does sodium form when it reacts with cold water?

The right answer is the one marked above.

Sodium hydroxide and hydrogen gas, and the reaction is rapid.

Compare it with magnesium, which shows no reaction with cold water and needs hot water before it will form magnesium hydroxide and hydrogen. Sodium with dilute acids is more violent again — that reaction is very dangerous and must not be attempted.

Answer the question to continue.