How do metals react with water?

Metals react with water to produce a metal hydroxide and hydrogen gas.

Metals, particularly those located on the left side of the periodic table, are known to react with water. The general reaction can be represented as: Metal + Water → Metal Hydroxide + Hydrogen Gas. However, the reactivity of metals with water varies greatly. Some metals react violently, while others do not react at all.

Alkali metals such as lithium, sodium, and potassium are highly reactive and can react explosively with water, even cold water. For instance, if you drop a small piece of sodium into water, it will fizz around the surface, heat up, and eventually explode, producing sodium hydroxide and hydrogen gas. The reaction is exothermic, meaning it releases heat, which is why the sodium gets hot and may ignite the hydrogen gas.

Alkaline earth metals like magnesium and calcium are less reactive than alkali metals but still react with water. Magnesium reacts slowly with cold water but rapidly with steam to form magnesium oxide and hydrogen. Calcium reacts readily with water, producing calcium hydroxide and hydrogen gas.

Transition metals and post-transition metals, on the other hand, are less reactive. Some, like aluminium and zinc, react with water only under certain conditions, such as when heated. Others, like gold and platinum, do not react with water at all.

In summary, the reaction of metals with water produces a metal hydroxide and hydrogen gas. The reactivity varies depending on the metal, with alkali and alkaline earth metals being the most reactive, and transition and post-transition metals being less so.