Question

nit review - matter and change
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consider the fire fighting measures shown.
why does sodium require a class d fire
extinguisher instead of one that might spray
water?
the sodium will react with the water, causing a flash fire.
the sodium will react with the water, creating an acid.
it may create table salt, sodium chloride.
a regular fire extinguisher might break the sodium down.

Explanation:

Sodium is a highly reactive alkali metal. When it comes into contact with water, it undergoes a vigorous exothermic reaction that produces flammable hydrogen gas and enough heat to ignite the gas, leading to a flash fire. This makes water-based extinguishers dangerous for sodium fires, requiring a Class D extinguisher (which uses non-reactive agents like dry sand) instead. The other options are incorrect: sodium and water do not create an acid, table salt formation is not a fire hazard, and water does not "break down" sodium in a way relevant to fire safety.

Answer:

A. The sodium will react with the water, causing a flash fire.