Wurtz reaction is used for the preparation of alkanes from alkyl halides in the presence of sodium and dry ether.For example: CH3Br + 2Na +BrCH3 ---------> CH3CH3 + 2NaBr
Thus two atoms of Na are used.
This is due to the formation of Cu2+ ions in the solution illustrated in following ionic reaction:
Cu(S)+2Ag+(aq)--------------˃Cu2+(aq)+2Ag(s)
Here, Cu is oxidized to Cu2+ (means relasing of 2 electrons from Cu to Cu2+ ) and Ag+ is reduced to Ag(s) (means gaining of 2 electrons from 2Ag+ to 2Ag ) and thus, silver converted into solid state and deposited on copper rod.