Question

Why is sodium stored in kerosene while phosphorus is stored in water?

Answer 1

Hint: Sodium is the element of s-block so, it is metal while phosphorus is an element of p-block so, it is a non-metal. Both the elements are very reactive but their property towards water is different.

Complete answer:
In the periodic table, all the elements are differentiated by the properties. While working with elements there are factors that must be followed because each element has different reactivity with different substances. We know that many elements cannot be stored in containers normally because their contact with air is very dangerous.
So, we are given that the sodium is stored in kerosene while the phosphorus is stored in the air. Sodium is the element of s-block, so it is metal while phosphorus is an element of p-block so it is non-metal. Both the elements are very reactive and will readily react with air and can produce a large amount of energy. They cannot be stored in the open air.
Therefore, phosphorus is stored in water, so that it cannot react with atmospheric oxygen. But the sodium element cannot be stored in water because in water also sodium reacts vigorously and releases a huge amount of energy which is difficult to control. So, sodium is stored in kerosene because kerosene is made up of saturated hydrocarbons, and sodium does not react with it.

Note:
Not only sodium of the alkali metals is stored in kerosene, but potassium is also stored in kerosene oil because potassium also reacts vigorously with air and water which produces a high amount of energy.