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*members of the alkali metal family of column IA
It explodes!
The alkali metals (lithium (Li), sodium (Na), potassium (K), rubidium (Rb), and cesium (Cs)) are very strong reducing agents. In other words, the elements very much want to get rid of 1 electron so that it will have the noble gas configuration (of the noble gas with atomic number one less than the alkali metal). For instance, when you add sodium metal to water, the sodium gives up one electron to water to form OH- and H2 gas. The reaction is identical for all the elements in the first column of the Periodic Table (Just replace "Na" in the equation with the symbol for the other element).
Here is the reaction:
2Na + H2O --> 2Na+ + 2OH- + H2
The electron is being lost by the sodium metal (it is oxidized) and it is being gained by the hydrogen. The oxidation state of Na metal is 0, but Na+ is produced with an oxidation state of 1. The oxidation state of H in water is 1, but in H2, the oxidation state is 0. The oxidation state of oxygen is not changed in the reaction.
The reaction becomes more violent for elements lower in that group (Li < Na < K < Rb < Cs). Adding these elements to water will often cause an explosion due to the extremely exothermic nature of the reaction, and is thus extremely dangerous. In fact, some alkali metals will react violently just with moisture in the air! Also, these reactions produce hydrogen gas, which is quite flammable.
See the Web Links for more information, and make sure to watch the impressive videos of massive explosions due to sodium added to water! KA-BOOM!!!
What else can I help you with?
What Happens when Hydrofluoric acid solution is reacted with a lithium hydroxide solution?
When hydrofluoric acid solution is reacted with a lithium hydroxide solution, lithium fluoride and water are formed as products. The reaction can be represented by the following equation: 2HF(aq) + LiOH(aq) → LiF(aq) + 2H2O(l)
What happens when lithium sodium potassium rubidium and caesium reacts with cold water?
They react pretty violently with water. These elements have 1 valence electron with makes them very reactive. When they are put in the water they split the water molecule into Hydrogen gas and NaOH or LiOH, etc. Lithium, sodium and potassium while violent reactions are pretty mellow compared to the reactions of Rubidium, Cesium and Francium. Search google video for cesium reaction with water and you will see what i mean.
Is lithium iodide soluble in acetone?
Yes, to an extent of about one-fifth of the (high) solubility of lithium iodide in water.
Is lithium oxide a basic or acidic oxide?
Lithium oxide is a basic oxide: When it dissolves in pure water, the resulting solution has a pH value greater than 7.0.
How dense is lithium?
Denser than water. The density of Lithium is approxiametely 0.534g/cm3.
Will lithium sink or float in water?
Lithium will react violently with water. Do not put it in water
What happens when strontium and lithium go into water?
Strontium and lithium dissolves in water forming the corresponding hydroxide and liberating hydrogen. However the reaction is exothermic and may cause explosion / fire.
What happens when lithium reacts with potassium hydroxide?
There will be no reaction between the lithium and the potassium hydroxide. However, since the potassium hydroxide is in solution, the lithium will still react with the water to form lithium hydroxide and hydrogen gas. 2Li + H2O --> H2 + LiOH.
What is the action of lithium on water?
Lithium react violent with water and lithium hydroxide and hydrogen are formed.
Does lithium dissolve in water?
Yes, lithium does dissolve in water.
What happens when a lithium ion reaches a cathode?
The lithium ion is reduced to an atom of metallic lithium. (If liquid water is in contact with the cathode, however, each lithium atom will react very rapidly with water and become a lithium ion again, releasing hydrogen to the atmosphere.)
Word equation for lithium oxide and water?
The word equation for the reaction between lithium oxide and water is: lithium oxide + water -> lithium hydroxide.
Is there any proving fact that lithium is more reactive than other metals?
Throw it in water and see what happens :)
What is the word equation for the reaction between lithuim and water?
Lithium + Water = Hydrogen gas + Lithium Hydroxide, please see related link for a fantastic video on it
What happens when lithium comes into contact with water?
When lithium comes into contact with water, it reacts vigorously to produce lithium hydroxide and hydrogen gas. This reaction can be exothermic and may result in the release of heat, which can lead to the hydrogen gas catching fire. It is important to handle lithium with caution in a controlled environment to prevent any accidents.
What happens if you put Mentos in tap water?
Nothing noteworthy happens if mentos are put in tap water; they simply dissolve slowly.
Why is lithium chloride insoluble in water?
You are misinformed, Lithium Chloride IS soluble in water.
