Metal Reactivity with Water Explained
Understanding how metals react with water helps classify them. Metals have different reactivity levels based on their position in the reactivity series.
Reactivity of Sodium, Potassium, and Calcium
Sodium (Na) and Potassium (K) are alkali metals that react vigorously with cold water.
- Sodium reaction: $2Na(s) + 2H2O(l) → 2NaOH(aq) + H2(g)$
- Potassium reaction: $2K(s) + 2H2O(l) → 2KOH(aq) + H2(g)$
Calcium (Ca) reacts with cold water, but less intensely. It reacts more readily with hot water.
- Calcium reaction: $Ca(s) + 2H2O(l) → Ca(OH)2(aq) + H2(g)$
Aluminium's Lack of Reaction with Water
Aluminium (Al) does not react with cold or hot water under normal conditions. This is due to the formation of a protective, inert aluminium oxide ($Al2O3$) layer on its surface. This layer prevents water from contacting the metal.
While Aluminium reacts with steam at high temperatures ($2Al(s) + 3H2O(g) → Al2O3(s) + 3H2(g)$), it remains passive towards liquid water (cold or hot).
Similar Questions
Which of the following metals CANNOT be cut with a knife?
Which of the following will be formed when dilute hydrochloric acid is added to a beaker having copper oxide ?
Which of the following statement is incorrect regarding metals?
Which of the following metals are mixed with iron to get stainless steel?
Which of the following metals is more reactive towards dilute hydrochloric acid?
A large number of impurities present in ore, such as sand, soil, etc., is called
- Which of the following metals is found in free state?
- Metal oxides which react with acids as well as bases are called:
Important Questions from Metals & Non-metals
Due to improper/indiscriminate disposal of hold and used computers or their parts, which of the following are released into the environment as e-waste?
1. Beryllium
2. Cadmium
3. Chromium
4. Heptachlor
5. Mercury
6. Lead
7. Plutonium
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
Recently, there has been a concern over the short supply of a group of elements called 'rare earth metals'. Why?
1. China, which is the largest producer of these elements, has imposed some restrictions on their export.
2. Other than China, Australia, Canada and Chile, these elements are not found in any country.
3. Rare earth metals are essential for the manufacture of various kinds of electronic items and there is a growing demand for these elements.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Which of the following metals CANNOT be cut with a knife?
Which of the following will be formed when dilute hydrochloric acid is added to a beaker having copper oxide ?
Which of the following statement is incorrect regarding metals?
