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Reactions of Sodium
Reactions with water
Sodium metal reacts rapidly with water to form a colourless solution of sodium hydroxide and hydrogen gas. The is an exothermic reaction, the sodium metal may well become so hot that it catches fire and burns with a characteristic orange colour. The reaction is slower than that of potassium but faster than that of lithium.
  2Na(s) + 2H2O(l)2NaOH(aq) + H2(g)
Reactions with air
The shiny surface of sodium soons becomes dull due to the reaction of air and moisture.
When sodium is burnt in air the result is white sodium peroxide together with some white sodium oxide.
  2Na(s) + O2(g)2Na2O(s)
  4Na(s) + O2(g)2Na2O2(s)
Reactions with halogens
Sodium reacts vigorously with all halogens to form sodium halides.
  2Na(s) + F2(g)NaF(s)
  2Na(s) + Cl2(g)NaCl(s)
  2Na(s) + Br2(g)NaBr(s)
  2Na(s) + I2(g)NaI(s)
Reactions with acids
Sodium readily dissolves in dilute sulphuric acid to form a solution containing the Na(I) ion and hydrogen gas.
  2Na(s) + H2SO4(aq)2Na+(aq) + SO42-(aq) + H2(g)
Reactions with bases
Sodium metal reacts rapidly with water to form a colourless solution of sodium hydroxide and hydrogen gas. The is an exothermic reaction, the sodium metal may well become so hot that it catches fire and burns with a characteristic orange colour. The reaction is slower than that of potassium but faster than that of lithium.
  2Na(s) + 2H2O(l)2NaOH(aq) + H2(g)
 
Reduction Potentials
Balanced half-reaction E0 / V
Na+ + e-Na(s) -2.714