Understanding Chemical Activity Modification
The modification of chemical activity in metals often involves creating alloys or combining metals with different reactivities to achieve desirable properties. The correct answer is option 'C' - Na + Hg.
Why Na + Hg is Significant
- Reactivity of Sodium (Na): Sodium is an alkali metal known for its high reactivity, particularly with water and air. It readily loses its outer electron, forming strong ionic bonds.
- Properties of Mercury (Hg): Mercury is a heavy metal that is liquid at room temperature and has unique properties, including high density and low reactivity towards most substances.
- Formation of Sodium Amalgam: When sodium is combined with mercury, it forms sodium amalgam. This alloy is less reactive than pure sodium and can serve as a reducing agent in various chemical reactions.
Applications and Implications
- Enhanced Reactivity Control: The amalgam allows for controlled chemical reactions by moderating sodium's reactivity, making it safer and easier to handle in industrial processes.
- Catalytic Properties: Sodium amalgam can be used as a catalyst in organic synthesis, facilitating reactions that would be challenging under standard conditions.
- Electrochemical Applications: It is also used in batteries and electrochemical cells, where controlled chemical activity is crucial for efficient energy conversion.
Conclusion
In summary, the combination of sodium and mercury exemplifies how chemical activity can be modified through metal composition. This approach allows for enhanced safety and efficiency in various chemical processes, distinguishing it from the other metal combinations listed in the options.