5. Chemical properties of Metals: Reaction with Water

When metals react with water, metal oxide and hydrogen gas are produced. When soluble metal oxides dissolve in water, metal hydroxide is produced. On the other hand, not all metals react with water.

 

 

Metals like potassium and sodium react aggressively with cold water. In the case of sodium and potassium, the reaction is so violent and exothermic that the released hydrogen catches fire immediately.

 

 

Calcium reacts with water less aggressively. The heat released is insufficient for the hydrogen to catch fire.

 

 

Calcium begins to float because the hydrogen gas bubbles that develop adhere to the metal's surface. Magnesium is unaffected by cold water. It forms magnesium hydroxide and hydrogen when it combines with hot water. It also starts floating due to the bubbles of hydrogen gas sticking to its surface.

Aluminium, iron and zinc do not react with either cold or hot water. However, when they come into contact with steam, they produce metal oxide and hydrogen.

 

 

Lead, copper, silver and gold do not react with water at all.

 

 

  

Metals	Reaction with normal water	Reaction with cold water	Reaction with hot water	Reaction with steam	Catches fire	Floats on water
\(Na\), \(K\)	__	Yes	__	__	Yes	__
\(Ca\)	Yes	__	__	__	__	Yes
\(Mg\)	__	__	Yes	__	__	Yes
\(Al\), \(Fe\), \(Zn\)	__	__	__	Yes	__	__
\(Pb\), \(Cu\), \(Ag\), \(Au\)	__	__	__	__	__	__