The reaction #2Na + Cl_2 -> 2NaCl# is an example of which type of reaction?

1 Answer
Jan 28, 2017

See explanation.

Explanation:

The reaction you have here

#2"Na"_ ((s)) + "Cl"_ (2(g)) -> 2"NaCl"_ ((s))#

is an example of a synthesis reaction.

http://www.slideshare.net/mrtangextrahelp/12-types-of-chemical-reactions

In your case, sodium metal, #"Na"#, reacts with chlorine gas, #"Cl"_2#, to form sodium chloride, #"NaCl"#.

You can also say that the reaction given to you is an example of a redox reaction.

#2 stackrel(color(blue)(0))("Na") _ ((s)) + stackrel(color(blue)(0))("Cl") _ (2(g)) -> 2 stackrel(color(blue)(+1))("Na") stackrel(color(blue)(-1))("Cl")_ ((s))#

The oxidation number of sodium increases from #color(blue)(0)# on the reactants' side to #color(blue)(+1)# on the products' side, which means that sodium is being oxidized.

On the other hand, the oxidation number of chlorine decreases from #color(blue)(0)# on the reactants' side to #color(blue)(-1)# on the products' side, which means that chlorine is being reduced.