Can hydrogen be used to reduce the oxide of Na?

Explanation

Hydrogen can indeed be used to reduce the oxide of sodium (Na). The correct answer isOption C: Yes.

Reduction is a chemical reaction in which a substance gains electrons. In the context of this question, the reduction process involves the removal of oxygen from the sodium oxide (Na₂O) using hydrogen as a reducing agent. This can be represented by the following chemical equation:

\[\text{2Na}_2\text{O} + \text{2H}_2 \rightarrow 4\text{Na} + 2\text{H}_2\text{O}\]

In this reaction, hydrogen (H₂) donates its electrons to the sodium oxide (Na₂O), resulting in the formation of elemental sodium (Na) and water (H₂O). The hydrogen reduces the sodium oxide by removing the oxygen atoms and forming water as a byproduct.

It is important to note that this method of reducing sodium oxide using hydrogen is not commonly used in industrial processes for producing sodium metal. Instead, the electrolysis of molten sodium chloride (NaCl) is typically employed due to its greater efficiency and affordability. However, the fact that hydrogen can be used to reduce sodium oxide is still valid and applicable in certain situations or laboratory settings.