Explain why sodium is obtained by electrolysis rather than by reduction with carbon.
The anode must be inert. Suggest a substance suitable for use as the anode.
Label the anode on the diagram.
Using the diagram, describe how you can tell that sodium is less dense than molten sodium chloride.
During electrolysis of concentrated aqueous sodium chloride, gases form at both electrodes. State the names of the products and describe what you would see at each electrode.
Give two ways in which sodium's physical properties are unlike those of transition elements.
The symbol equation for making sodium hydride is shown. 2Na + H2 -> 2NaH Write this reaction as a word equation.
Suggest why the hydrogen has to be dry.
Sodium hydride reduces iron(III) oxide to iron. Fe2O3 + 3NaH -> 2Fe + 3NaOH Explain how this equation shows that iron(III) oxide is reduced.
State the flame-test colour seen for sodium.