A metal E is stored under kerosene. When a small piece of it is left open in air, it catches fire. When the product formed is dissolved in water, it turns red litmus to blue :
(i) Name the metal E.
(ii) Write the chemical equation for the reaction when it is exposed to air and when the product is dissolved in water.
(iii) Explain the process by which the metal E is obtained from its molten chloride

Explanation

(i) The available information suggests that the metal E is sodium (Na)
(ii) `underset(("E"))(4Na)(s) + underset(("Air"))(O_(2))(g) rarr2Na_(2)O(s)`
`Na_(2)O(s) + H_(2)O(aq) rarr 2NaOH(aq)`
The solution is basic and it turns red litmus blue.
(iii) The metal is obtained by the process of electrolytic-reduction.