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Groups in the Periodic Table

Reactions of the alkali metals with water

  • 3 things to know
  • Paper 2

Overview

What is seen when lithium, sodium and potassium meet water, the hydroxide and hydrogen formed, the balanced equations, the universal indicator colour, and the squeaky pop test.

What you need to know

Answer each one before you reveal it.

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Key term

What is observed when a small piece of lithium is added to water?

Key term

What is observed when a small piece of sodium is added to water?

Key term

What is observed when a small piece of potassium is added to water?

Questions from this subtopic

Each one with the model answer underneath.

  1. 1

    What is observed when a small piece of lithium is added to water?

    Model answer

    Lithium floats and fizzes steadily as it moves on the surface, giving off hydrogen, and slowly disappears.

  2. 2

    What is observed when a small piece of sodium is added to water?

    Model answer

    Sodium melts into a ball that fizzes rapidly and darts across the surface, and it disappears quickly.

  3. 3

    What is observed when a small piece of potassium is added to water?

    Model answer

    Potassium melts and moves very quickly across the surface, and the hydrogen produced burns with a lilac flame.

  4. 4

    Name the two products formed when an alkali metal reacts with water.

    Model answer

    A metal hydroxide, which dissolves to give an alkaline solution, and hydrogen gas.

  5. 5

    Write the balanced equation for the reaction of lithium with water.

    Model answer

    2Li + 2H₂O → 2LiOH + H₂.

  6. 6

    Write the balanced equation for the reaction of sodium with water.

    Model answer

    2Na + 2H₂O → 2NaOH + H₂.

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AChlorine is a pale green gas at room temperature.
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