I discovered that sodium was one of the elements that I considered the most peculiar of the periodic table. It is a fundamental element to maintain the balance of life. Water, H2O, formed by hydrogen and oxygen, two elements that are also fundamental to life, in fact, even more, has a peculiar reaction with sodium. When mixed, they form a flame in a highly exothermic reaction. I decided to prove that in a laboratory and the result was spectacular! It seems strange that the behavior between a compound and an element so fundamental to life is so aggressive. Sodium is present in the human body in amounts around 100 g. It is responsible for functions of the nervous system. Sodium chloride, known as a common salt, is important for our body. But excessive intake of this can cause an increase in blood pressure, arteriosclerosis, edema and hyperosmolality. Lack of sodium can cause dehydration, muscle paralysis and a decrease in growth. This reaction has an explanation, according to the journal Nature Chemistry, the explosive reaction is activated by an almost immediate release of electrons from the metal element, just when it comes into contact with water. At this moment, the positively charged metals remain, which are strongly repelled.
We have a Columb blast: The system reaches a limit of instability. With this, we see the flame and metal tips are formed in the contact area.
Credits: Josep Mencion Seguranyes (Spain).
The EYCN warmly thanks the Wilkinson Charitable Foundation for their strong support provided for young chemists across Europe.
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