Reaction between water and metals

In summary, reactive metals like Na and K form hydroxides when reacting with water, while non-reactive metals may not form metal oxides at all. The reactivity can be predicted based on the potentials, with groups 1 and 2 metals and Al reacting at room temperature and forming hydroxides, and metals from Zn to Cu reacting slowly and forming oxides with time or at high temperatures. Metals after Cu do not react with water directly.
  • #1
Addieyo
1
0
1. When reacting metals with water, under what conditions do you get hydroxide and under what conditions do you get oxide?

3. is it all reactive metals like Na and K form hydroxides and non-reactive ones form oxides?

Can anyone tell me the details of the reasons for such difference?
 
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  • #2
You are right - almost all the reactive metals form hydroxides, but some non-reactive do not form metal oxides at all. Also bear in mind that some metals only react at hign temperatures.
You can in general predict how metals react with water according to the potentials:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reactivity_series - those before Zn (groups 1 and 2 metals and Al) react at room temperature and form hydroxides while metals from Zn to Cu react slowly and form oxides either with time or at heating. Metals after Cu hardly react with water directly.
 

What is the reaction between water and metals?

The reaction between water and metals is a chemical reaction in which the metal reacts with water to form metal oxides or hydroxides, and hydrogen gas is released.

Which metals react with water?

Some metals that react with water include sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and aluminum. These metals are known as active metals and are located on the left side of the periodic table.

What happens when a metal reacts with water?

When a metal reacts with water, it undergoes a displacement reaction where the metal displaces the hydrogen from water, resulting in the formation of metal oxides or hydroxides and the release of hydrogen gas.

Why do some metals react with water and others don't?

The reactivity of metals with water depends on their position in the periodic table. Metals that are higher up in the periodic table, such as sodium and potassium, are more reactive and will readily react with water. Metals that are lower down in the periodic table, such as copper and silver, are less reactive and do not react with water.

What factors can influence the reaction between water and metals?

The speed and intensity of the reaction between water and metals can be influenced by several factors, including the type of metal, the concentration of water, the temperature, and the presence of other substances such as acids or salts.

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