Question

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

Answer 1

See explanation.

Explanation:

The reaction you have here

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

is an example of a synthesis reaction.

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.