Question

Write a general equation for the reaction of an alkali metal with water.

Answer 1

The general equation for the reaction of an alkali metal with water is 2M(s) + 2H₂O(l) → 2MOH(aq) + H₂(g), where 'M' stands for an alkali metal. This reaction forms hydrogen gas and a solution of the metal hydroxide.

Step-by-step explanation:

The general equation for the reaction of an alkali metal with water can be represented as:

2M(s) + 2H₂O(l) → 2MOH(aq) + H₂(g)

where 'M' represents the alkali metal (such as Li, Na, K, Rb, Cs, or Fr). These metals react vigorously with water to form hydrogen gas and a basic (alkaline) solution of the metal hydroxide, indicating that they oxidize more easily than hydrogen. The reaction typically proceeds quickly due to the highly reactive nature of alkali metals and their tendency to lose an electron to form a cation. An example of such a reaction is when sodium metal is placed in water, forming hydrogen gas and sodium hydroxide:

2Na(s) + 2H₂O(l) → 2NaOH(aq) + H₂(g)

These reactions are significant in that they demonstrate the characteristic high reactivity of alkali metals when exposed to water, forming highly soluble hydroxides.

Answer 2

Alkali metals are highly reactive metals. These metals are that much reactive that they can even explode in the air as well. When alkali metals and water react with each other, there is a formation of metal hydroxide and the evolution of hydrogen gas.

The general representation of metal is A. so, the general equation for the reaction of an alkali metal with water is given below.

2A(solid)+2H2O(liquid) -------> 2AOH(aqeous)+H2(gas)