Oxidation of sodium rapidly affects the chemical properties of sodium
. Sodium is a highly reactive metal, which means that it readily participates in chemical reactions. When sodium is exposed to oxygen, it quickly oxidizes to form sodium oxide (Na2O), which alters its chemical properties.
The oxidation of sodium results in the loss of metallicity, which is the ability of a metal to conduct electricity, malleability, and ductility. Sodium oxide is a non-conductor of electricity, which means that the resulting substance is not suitable for electrical applications.
Additionally, sodium oxide is a basic compound, which produces hydroxide ions (OH-) when dissolved in water. This means that the resulting substance is highly alkaline, which can cause skin and eye irritations if directly exposed. Moreover, the reaction of sodium with water also produces hydrogen gas, which is a highly flammable and explosive substance.
Therefore, the oxidation of sodium drastically changes its chemical properties, making it unsuitable for various applications and increasing the safety concerns associated with its handling and storage.