Sciencemadness Discussion Board

Does sodium burn in CO2 atmosphere?

vmelkon - 11-9-2016 at 17:32

Does sodium burn in CO2 atmosphere?
Anyone tried it?
I always see demos with Mg and CO2 but never with any group 1 or other group 2 element.

j_sum1 - 11-9-2016 at 17:56

I think calcium does. i wouldn't even dream of it with beryllium. I am not wasting my strontium and barium never makes it out of its inert environment.

I have never heard of anyone attempting this with group 1. It would make an interesting experiment.

macckone - 11-9-2016 at 19:03

It won't ignite but will burn if the temperatures is high enough to start with and sufficient heat is retained. Ie it is not fully self sustaining unless confined.

Zyklon-A - 11-9-2016 at 21:05

It reacts slowly at room temperature, faster if heated. However only above 500℃ does the reaction proceed fast enough to be considered burning.
Here's a comprehensive PDF detailing the experiments.

Attachment: ICCAP Nice 2007 NaCO2finalpaper.pdf (2.2MB)
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