Molecular mass of X + O + H=40
→X+16+1=40
→X=23
Only Na has the molecular mass of 23. Therefore, X is sodium
[0.5 Marks] and Y is sodium hydroxide as it has molecular mass 40.
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Sodium on reaction with cold water gives out sodium hydroxide, hydrogen gas and heat energy. The reaction occurs as follows:
2Na(s)+2H2O(cold)→2NaOH(aq)+H2(g)+Heat energy
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Hydrogen gas easily catches fire. Therefore, Z is hydrogen gas.
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