Question

How do metals react with hydrogen? Explain with an example.

Answer 1

Metals generally do not react with hydrogen. But some reactive metals like sodium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium can force the hydrogen atom to accept electrons from them and form salt-like ionic solid compounds called metal hydrides.

When hydrogen gas is passed over heated sodium, then sodium hydride is formed.

\[\ce{\underset{(A metal)}{\underset{Sodium}{2Na_{(s)}}} + \underset{Hydrogen}{H2_{(g)}} -> \underset{(Ionic hydride)}{\underset{Sodium hydride}{2NaH_{(s)}}}}\]