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Let's look at the equation for the reaction of potassium and water:
Potassium + water --> potassium hydroxide + hydrogen
The reaction is fast and generates sufficient heat (it is exothermic) for the hydrogen gas produced to react with oxygen in the air. The presence of potassium gives the flame a lilac colour as the hydrogen burns.
In comparison, lithium and sodium are less reactive so the reactions are slower and produce less heat so the hydrogen gas produced does not ignite.
So, the potassium does not burn, the hydrogen does!
Wiki User
∙ 14y ago
Wiki User
∙ 11y agoYes. The reaction of potassium and water produces hydrogen gas, which is automatically ignited by the reaction's heat and, if in large enough amounts, it goes boom.
Wiki User
∙ 12y agoMetallic potassium (not a potassium compound such as potassium nitrate) burns extremely easily; that is the nature of metals, they tend to combine with nonmetals such as oxygen.
Wiki User
∙ 10y agoIt does, stupid!
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When potassium and sodium are kept in open they catch fire why?
Metals such as potassium and sodium react so vigorously that they catch fire if kept in open.Hence,to protect them and to prevent their burning they are stored in kerosene as moisture cannot enter in it.
Can potassium dissolve in water?
Yes. potassium will dissolve in water forming potassium hydroxide and hydrogen gas. however, the reaction is very exothermic and will generally catch fire.
What do you get when you mix Potassium Sulfate with Ammonium Nitrate?
No reaction will occur between Potassium Sulfate and Ammonium Nitrate.
Difference between catch fire and catch ON fire?
Catch fire is a fictional term used in anime, and anime movies. Catch Fire means to catch fire, for example, you would catch a ball. Catching ON fire is lighting yourself on fire, or something else lighting you on fire. Big difference.
What health benefits does potassium nitrate have?
What causes low potassium and what are the dangers of having low potassium in your body
What happen when you put potassium in water?
Pure Potassium (K) will catch fire and may explode upon contact with water or very humid air.
When potassium and sodium are kept in open they catch fire why?
Metals such as potassium and sodium react so vigorously that they catch fire if kept in open.Hence,to protect them and to prevent their burning they are stored in kerosene as moisture cannot enter in it.
What causes a trunk to catch on fire?
bad wiring
Can potassium dissolve in water?
Yes. potassium will dissolve in water forming potassium hydroxide and hydrogen gas. however, the reaction is very exothermic and will generally catch fire.
Why shouldn't you get electrics wet?
Causes a discharge and can catch fire
Why are sodium and potassium not recommended as limiting materials?
Sodium and potassium are highly reactive metals and catch fire if kept in open, even in the room temperature.
What causes car to catch fire?
over heated or burning petrol
What temperature will make things catch on fire?
When objects get hot enough they can catch on fire. Different objects will require different degrees of heat, and oxygen must be present to support a fire.
What do you get when you mix Potassium Sulfate with Ammonium Nitrate?
No reaction will occur between Potassium Sulfate and Ammonium Nitrate.
What causes the secret of surf?
with surf you can surf in the water in fire red you can catch a articuno
Catch on fire?
When somthing catches on fire the fire actually causes it to be on fire, like a nuke, for instance (i got a little crazy by saying nuke, i like explosions)
What causes dead people to catch fire?
The most common cause if usually PETROL and a MATCH!
