8.2.4

Alkali Metals & Water

Test yourself

Reactions of Reactive Metals with Water

Potassium, sodium and lithium all react quickly with cold water to produce a metal hydroxide and hydrogen gas.

Illustrative background for PotassiumIllustrative background for Potassium ?? "content

Potassium

  • Potassium is the most reactive so reacts very quickly.
  • The hydrogen produced ignites instantly and the metal also sets alight, sparking and burning with a lilac flame.
Illustrative background for SodiumIllustrative background for Sodium ?? "content

Sodium

  • Sodium fizzes rapidly and melts to form a ball that moves around on the water surface.
Illustrative background for LithiumIllustrative background for Lithium ?? "content

Lithium

  • Lithium fizzes steadily and floats, becoming smaller until it eventually disappears.

Jump to other topics

1States of Matter

2Atoms, Elements & Compounds

3Stoichometry

4Electrochemistry

5Chemical Energetics

6Chemical Reactions

7Acids, Bases & Salts

8The Periodic Table

9Metals

10Chemistry of the Environment

11Organic Chemistry

11.1Formulae, Functional Groups & Terminology

11.2Naming Organic Compounds

11.3Fuels

11.4Alkanes

11.5Alkenes

11.6Alcohols

11.7Carboxylic Acids

11.8Polymers

12Experimental Techniques & Chemical Analysis

Unlock your full potential with Seneca Premium

  • Unlimited access to 10,000+ open-ended exam questions

  • Mini-mock exams based on your study history

  • Unlock 800+ premium courses & e-books

Get started with Seneca Premium