Metals and water

• Reactions of metals with water


  1. Metal reacts with water

  2. Metal hydroxide formed

  3. Hydrogen gas formed
• Sodium reacts with water

  • 2Na(s) + 2H2O(l) ➞ 2NaOH(aq) + H2(g)
• Calcium reacts with water

  • Ca(s) + 2H2O(l) ➞ Ca(OH)2(aq) + H2(g)
• Calcium hydroxide


  Slightly soluble in water, forms a milky solution when saturated
• The apparatus below is used to react calcium with water and collect the gas. This would not be used with sodium or potassium as they float and the reaction is too vigorous.
• Metals that can react with cold water


  • All metals that form a metal hydroxide (an alkaline solution) and hydrogen gas
• The test for hydrogen gas is that it burns with a 'squeaky pop'.
• Reaction of metals with water


  Metal + water ➞ Metal hydroxide + Hydrogen
• Sodium reacts with water


  • sodium + water ➞ sodium hydroxide + hydrogen
• Metals And Water

  Diagram

  A) Sodium

  B) Lithium

  C) Calcium

  D) Potassium

  E) Calcium