The metals that react violently with cold water are group 1 and group 2 metals. Reactivity increases going down the group and to the left of a period.
A metal oxide reacts with water to produce a metal hydroxide.
Potassium is the metal that reacts most vigorously with water at 25C.
The metal that reacts slowly with cold water to form a hydroxide is magnesium. When magnesium reacts with water, it forms magnesium hydroxide and hydrogen gas.
Zinc is a grey metal that can react with water, although it does so slowly. When zinc reacts with water, it produces zinc hydroxide and hydrogen gas.
A corresponding metal salt and water are produced.
A metal oxide reacts with water to produce a metal hydroxide.
When a hot enough object meets water, some of the water boils instantly. As any substance boils it expands.
Potassium is the metal that reacts most vigorously with water at 25C.
The metal that reacts slowly with cold water to form a hydroxide is magnesium. When magnesium reacts with water, it forms magnesium hydroxide and hydrogen gas.
When an alkali metal reacts with water, it produces an alkali metal hydroxide and hydrogen gas. This is a highly exothermic reaction, with the alkali metal displacing hydrogen from the water molecule.
Zinc is a grey metal that can react with water, although it does so slowly. When zinc reacts with water, it produces zinc hydroxide and hydrogen gas.
A corresponding metal salt and water are produced.
copper
Water
Metal hydroxide + hydrogen gas
Sodium is a metal that reacts violently with water, sometimes bursting into flames. The reaction produces sodium hydroxide and hydrogen gas.
When a metal reacts with water, it can produce metal hydroxide and hydrogen gas. The metal hydroxide is a basic compound that dissolves in water to form a basic solution, while the hydrogen gas is released as a byproduct of the reaction.