Question

Describe the reaction of potassium with water. Write the equation of the reaction involved.

Answer 1

Potassium reacts violently with cold water to form potassium hydroxide and hydrogen gas. The reaction of potassium metal with water is highly exothermic (heat-producing), so the hydrogen gas formed immediately catches fire. Thus, potassium is a very, very reactive metal.

\[\ce{\underset{Potassium}{2K_{(s)}} + \underset{(Cold)}{\underset{Water}{2H2O_{(l)}}} -> \underset{Potassium hydroxide}{2KOH_{(aq)}} + \underset{Hydrogen}{H2_{(g)}} + Heat}\]