Write chemical equations for what happens when (i) sodium metal is added to ethanoic acid. (ii) solid sodium carbonate is added to ethanoic acid. (iii) ethanoic acid reacts with a dilute solution of sodium hydroxide.

Q: Write chemical equations for what happens when (i) sodium metal is added to ethanoic acid. (ii) solid sodium carbonate is added to ethanoic acid. (iii) ethanoic acid reacts with a dilute solution of sodium hydroxide.

The chemical equations for the given reactions are: (i) **Sodium metal added to ethanoic acid:** $$2CH_3COOH(aq) + 2Na(s) \rightarrow 2CH_3COONa(aq) + H_2(g)$$ (ii) **Solid sodium carbonate added to ethanoic acid:** $$2CH_3COOH(aq) + Na_2CO_3(s) \rightarrow 2CH_3COONa(aq) + H_2O(l) + CO_2(g)$$ (iii) **Ethanoic acid reacts with dilute sodium hydroxide:** $$CH_3COOH(aq) + NaOH(aq) \rightarrow CH_3COONa(aq) + H_2O(l)$$

Chemical Reactions and Equations

Chemical Equations of Organic Compounds

Official Answer

The chemical equations for the given reactions are:

(i) Sodium metal added to ethanoic acid:

$2CH_3COOH(aq) + 2Na(s) \rightarrow 2CH_3COONa(aq) + H_2(g)$

(ii) Solid sodium carbonate added to ethanoic acid:

$2CH_3COOH(aq) + Na_2CO_3(s) \rightarrow 2CH_3COONa(aq) + H_2O(l) + CO_2(g)$

(iii) Ethanoic acid reacts with dilute sodium hydroxide:

$CH_3COOH(aq) + NaOH(aq) \rightarrow CH_3COONa(aq) + H_2O(l)$

CH3COOHCH3COONaH2CO2NeutralizationBalanced Equation

Marking Scheme

1Balanced equation for reaction with Sodium metal (1 mark)
2Balanced equation for reaction with Sodium carbonate (1 mark)
3Balanced equation for reaction with Sodium hydroxide (1 mark)

Hint

Recall that acids react with metals to release hydrogen, with carbonates to release $CO_2$ , and with bases to form water.

Quick Oral Answer

When ethanoic acid reacts with sodium metal, hydrogen gas is evolved. With sodium carbonate, carbon dioxide gas is evolved. With sodium hydroxide, a neutralization reaction occurs forming sodium ethanoate and water.

Analysis & Explanation

(i) Sodium is a highly reactive metal that displaces hydrogen from ethanoic acid to form sodium ethanoate and hydrogen gas. (ii) Carbonates react with acids to produce salt, water, and carbon dioxide gas (evolution of gas is a characteristic of chemical reactions). (iii) This is a neutralization reaction between an acid (ethanoic acid) and a base (sodium hydroxide) to form salt and water.

Common Mistakes

1Forgetting to balance the hydrogen atoms in the reaction with sodium metal.
2Omitting the evolution of $CO_2$ gas when reacting with carbonates.

Interesting Facts

Ethanoic acid is the main component of vinegar, and its reaction with sodium carbonate is often used in school 'volcano' experiments due to the rapid evolution of $CO_2$ .

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Frequently Asked Questions

How many marks does this question carry in CBSE Class 10 Science 2011?

This question carries 3 marks in the CBSE Class 10 Science 2011 examination.

Which chapter does this question come from in Science?

This question is from the chapter "Chemical Reactions and Equations" in the CBSE Class 10 Science syllabus.

What topic does this question cover in Science?

This question covers the topic "Chemical Equations of Organic Compounds" from CBSE Class 10 Science.

What type of question is this in the CBSE Class 10 Science 2011 paper?

This is a Short Answer question from Section A in the CBSE Class 10 Science 2011 paper.