Compare the activity of sodium and iron with water and dilute acid

Reactions of sodium with water and dilute acid

Sodium reacts explosively with dilute HCl(aq) to produce NaCl(aq) and H₂(g)

2Na (s) + 2HCl(aq) → 2NaCl(aq) + H₂(g)

Sodium reacts violently with cold water to produce NaOH(aq) and H₂(g)

2Na (s) + H₂O(l)  → 2Na(OH)(aq) + H₂(g)

The produced hydrogen may become ignited and explode

Reactions of iron with water and dilute acid

Iron reacts very slowly with dilute acid to produce iron (II) chloride and hydrogen gas

Fe (s) + 2 HCl (aq) →  FeCl₂ (aq) + H₂ (g)

Iron does not react with cold water. Iron reacts only with steam

Explanation: