Explanation
The Solvay process is a continuous process using limestone (CaCO3) to produce carbon dioxide (CO2) which reacts with ammonia (NH3) dissolved in brine (concentrated NaCl (aq)) to produce sodium carbonate.
If we add sodium to water it floats on the water and reacts very vigorously, rushing around and on the surface producing hydrogen gas and sodium hydroxide. Hence to reduce its vigorousness, it is amalgamated with mercury by making sodium as amalgamating sodium.
The ionization energy of alkali metals is low and gradually decreases from lithium to cesium. Thus cesium is the most electropositive element among alkali metals.
In Down’s method for the extraction of sodium , the melting point of the electrolyte is lowered by adding both calcium chloride and potassium fluoride.
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