Question

Given the equation: 2Na + 2H2O → 2NaOH + H2 Which substance in this equation is a binary compound?

Answer 1

By the definition of a binary compound, the answer is NaOH.

Answer 2

Answer: In the following equation, $H_2O$ is considered as a binary compound.

Explanation: A binary compound is considered as a compound having 2 elements only. In the following chemical equation:

$2Na+2H_2O\rightarrow 2NaOH+H_2$

There are 2 compounds present because compound is defined as the chemical combination of two or more elements in a fixed ratio.

In the equation, compounds are: $H_2O$ and $NaOH$

$H_2O$ consists of 2 elements which are hydrogen and oxygen and hence is considered as a binary compound.

$NaOH$ consists of 3 elements which are sodium, hydrogen and oxygen and hence, cannot be considered as a binary compound.