Question

Is H2O acting as an acid in this equation:
Na2O(s) + H20 (l) -> 2NaOH(aq)
and how do you know?

Answer 1

Yes. Sodium oxide is ionic, so the actual reaction is:\[{\rm O}^{2-}(aq) + {\rm H}_2{\rm O}(l) \rightarrow 2 {\rm OH}^-(aq)\]Notice the H+ donated from the H2O to the O-2? The thing that donates an H+ is a Bronsted-Lowry acid.

Answer 2

Thankyou!

Answer 3

Does the fact that it's a solid change that?

Answer 4

It's only solid until it hits the water, then it dissolves:\[{\rm Na}_2{\rm O}(s) \rightarrow 2 {\rm Na}^+(aq) + {\rm O}^{2-}(aq)\]Actually, the reaction of O-2 with water is so fast and vigorous that no appreciable amount of it is present, this dissolution reaction is followed immediately by the acid-base reaction that turns it into OH-.

Answer 5

Thankyou so much for that!