Why sodium sits in kerosene
A lab keeps sodium under kerosene. It keeps white phosphorus under water. Why?
Step 1 of 3
- Sodium sits under kerosene. Air and water cannot reach it.
- White phosphorus sits under water. Air cannot reach it.
- Copper does not react with water. It sits on an open shelf.
Sodium and white phosphorus react fast with air. A liquid cover keeps air away.
The new words
- Reactive — joins with air or water quickly.
- Kerosene — a fuel oil. Sodium sits in it.
The rule
Keep a substance away from what it reacts with. Sodium reacts with air and water, so it is kept in kerosene. White phosphorus can catch fire in air, so water covers it.
Sodium can catch fire in water, because the reaction is so fast. Copper, silver and gold do not react with water at all.
Only a teacher handles these. Never put a lab metal in water yourself.
White phosphorus is also a poison. Never touch it.
Now try it. Read the name. Tap the safe way to store it.
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