Give suitable reasons for the following statements: An aqueous solution of sodium chloride is neutral,but an aqueous solution of sodium is basic.

(N/A) An aqueous solution of sodium chloride $(NaCl)$ is neutral because it is a salt formed from the neutralization reaction between a strong acid $(HCl)$ and a strong base $(NaOH)$. Since both components are strong,the resulting salt solution does not undergo hydrolysis to change the $pH$ of the water,remaining at $pH = 7$.
An aqueous solution of sodium $(Na)$ is basic because sodium is a highly reactive alkali metal. When it reacts with water,it produces sodium hydroxide $(NaOH)$,which is a strong base,and hydrogen gas $(H_2)$. The presence of $NaOH$ in the solution increases the concentration of hydroxide ions $(OH^-)$,making the solution basic.
The chemical reaction is: $2Na(s) + 2H_2O(l) \longrightarrow 2NaOH(aq) + H_2(g)$