Which of the following represents the reaction between sodium and water?

The reaction between sodium and water is represented by the correct choice. In this reaction, sodium (Na) reacts with water (H₂O) to form sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and hydrogen gas (H₂).

The stoichiometry of the reaction indicates that two atoms of sodium react with two molecules of water to yield two formula units of sodium hydroxide and one molecule of hydrogen gas. This reflects the conservation of mass, where the number of atoms before and after the reaction remains balanced.

The production of sodium hydroxide in this reaction is significant because it makes the solution alkaline, while the hydrogen gas can be observed as bubbles during the reaction. The reaction is highly exothermic, meaning it releases heat, which can further drive the reaction vigorously, especially with larger pieces of sodium.

With this understanding, it's clear that option C accurately captures the correct reactants and products and maintains the proper stoichiometric relationships throughout the reaction.