Can sodium react with other substances besides kerosene?

Yes, sodium reacts with many substances other than kerosene. In fact, kerosene is used to store sodium because it does not react with the metal and protects it from air and moisture. Sodium is one of the most reactive metals on the periodic table.

Reactions with Air and Water

• Water (H₂O): Sodium reacts violently with water to form sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and hydrogen gas (H₂). This reaction releases a lot of heat (exothermic) — enough to ignite the hydrogen gas, often causing a small fire or explosion. 2Na + 2H₂O → 2NaOH + H₂↑
  
   
• Oxygen (O₂): When exposed to air, sodium quickly tarnishes by reacting with oxygen to form sodium oxide (Na₂O).
• Moisture and Carbon Dioxide (CO₂): The sodium oxide layer on the surface reacts with moisture to form sodium hydroxide (NaOH). This then reacts further with carbon dioxide to produce sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO₃).

Reactions with Other Elements

• Halogens: Sodium reacts easily with chlorine (Cl₂), fluorine (F₂), and iodine (I₂) to form sodium salts, such as sodium chloride (NaCl) — common table salt.
• Phosphorus (P): Sodium reacts with phosphorus at high temperatures to form sodium phosphides.
• Sulfur (S): Sodium reacts with sulfur when heated, forming sodium sulfide (Na₂S).

Why Sodium Is Stored in Kerosene

Sodium must be stored under a protective liquid because it reacts quickly with air and water. Kerosene and mineral oil are ideal since they are non-reactive and non-polar, creating a barrier that keeps out moisture and oxygen.

Substances like alcohol or water are unsuitable because they would react dangerously with sodium.