1. Write the Balanced Chemical Equation:

The reaction between sodium (Na) and oxygen (O₂) forms sodium oxide (Na₂O):

4 Na + O₂ → 2 Na₂O

2. Determine the Molar Masses:

* Sodium (Na): 22.99 g/mol

* Oxygen (O₂): 32.00 g/mol

* Sodium Oxide (Na₂O): 61.98 g/mol

3. Convert Grams of Sodium to Moles:

* You have 46 g of sodium.

* Moles of Na = (46 g) / (22.99 g/mol) = 2 moles

4. Use the Mole Ratio from the Balanced Equation:

* The equation shows a 4:2 mole ratio between sodium (Na) and sodium oxide (Na₂O). This means for every 4 moles of sodium, you get 2 moles of sodium oxide.

5. Calculate Moles of Sodium Oxide:

* Since you have 2 moles of sodium, you'll produce (2 moles Na) * (2 moles Na₂O / 4 moles Na) = 1 mole of Na₂O

6. Convert Moles of Sodium Oxide to Grams:

* Grams of Na₂O = (1 mole) * (61.98 g/mol) = 61.98 g

Answer: You will form 61.98 grams of sodium oxide if 46 grams of sodium are used in the reaction.