Question

Which of the following metals are stored in kerosene?
1. Potassium (K) and Sodium (Na)
2. Gold (Au) and Silver (Ag)
3. Silicon (Si) and Mercury (Hg)
4. Aluminum (Al) and Calcium (Ca)

Answer 1

Correct Answer - Option 1 : Potassium (K) and Sodium (Na)

The correct answer is Potassium (K) and Sodium (Na).

• Apart from sodium, potassium, lithium, and cesium metal are stored in kerosene oil as they both can react in air or water.
• These metals are highly reactive to oxygen, carbon dioxide, and moisture present in the air.
• If it is kept in the open air, it easily reacts with the oxygen and catches fire.
• kerosene is a mixture of hydrocarbons, it won't react with it.

• The reaction proceeds as follows (sodium in the example, but it could be any of the Group 1 metals):
  2Na(s) + 2H₂O(l) --> 2NaOH(aq) + H₂(g)
  Hydrogen gas is formed during the reaction. In more explosive reactions (potassium, rubidium, and cesium).