Question

What happens when sodium is put in a solution of ammonia?

(a) It generates a lot of heat

(b) It does not dissolve

(c) It produces deep blue color

(d) Ammonia liquid evaporates due to heat

The question was asked during an online exam.

I would like to ask this question from P-Block Elements topic in portion P-Block Elements of Chemistry – Class 12

Answer 1

The correct choice is (c) It produces deep blue color

For explanation: When sodium is introduced to liquid ammonia, it separates into sodium ion and a single electron (Na → Na^+ + e^–). The single electron produces the deep blue color due to solvation effect producing e^–[NH3]n.