Science (086) — AI-generated practice question

O–H bond in ethanol: When ethanol reacts with sodium, hydrogen gas is released, which shows that the O–H bond in ethanol is polar. Sodium displaces hydrogen from the O–H bond, indicating that this bond can be broken, similar to how water reacts with sodium.

$$2\text{Na} + 2\text{CH}_3\text{CH}_2\text{OH} \rightarrow 2\text{CH}_3\text{CH}_2\text{O}^-\text{Na}^+ + \text{H}_2\uparrow$$

Similarity with water: Both ethanol and water have an O–H bond, and both react with sodium to release hydrogen gas.

Difference: Water reacts more vigorously with sodium than ethanol, showing that the O–H bond in water is more reactive (more polar) than in ethanol.

Source: Chapter 4, Section 4.4.1 – Reactions of Ethanol

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• Examiners expect you to link the observation (H₂ release) to the conclusion (O–H bond is polar/reactive) — this is the key inference.
• Write the balanced equation; it earns a mark.
• Clearly state one similarity and one difference with water's reaction — the question explicitly asks for both.
• "More vigorous reaction with water" is the standard NCERT-expected difference here.