H2O as an oxidant only
Further explanation
Given
Reaction
2 Na + 2 H2O → 2 NaOH + H2
Required
The function of water in the equation
Solution
Water : oxidizing agent
Na : reducing agent
Na⁰ → Na⁺ (oxidation)
H⁺- → H⁰ (reduction)
Acids and bases according to Bronsted-Lowry
Acid = donor (donor) proton (H⁺ ion)
Base = proton (receiver) acceptor (H⁺ ion)
If water is acting as an acid it should only give 1 H +, so that becomes:
H₂O (l) ⇔ OH⁻ (aq) not H₂
