Question

Which metal reacts most vigorously with water?

Answer 1

1. Alkali metals react most vigorously with water.
2. Alkali metals are the group 1 element belonging to the s block elements.
3. These elements are known as Alkali metals because when they react with water they form alkali which is a strong base.
4. The general electronic configuration of alkali metals are $\left[\mathrm{Noble}\mathrm{Gas}\right]1s^1$.
5. These elements have one electron in their valence shell which they can lose easily. Due to this, they are highly electropositive metals.
6. When Alkali metals react with water they tend to form basic hydroxides and evolve Hydrogen gas. This is a highly exothermic reaction. $$\begin{gathered} 2\mathrm{M}+2{\mathrm{H}}_2\mathrm{O}\to 2{\mathrm{M}}^{+}+2{\mathrm{OH}}^{-}+{\mathrm{H}}_2+∆\mathrm{H} \\ \mathrm{Where}\mathrm{m}\mathrm{is}\mathrm{any}\mathrm{alkali}\mathrm{metal} \end{gathered}$$
7. For Example- When Sodium reacts with water it forms Sodium hydroxide and Hydrogen gas. $$\begin{gathered} 2\mathrm{Na}\left(\mathrm{s}\right)+2{\mathrm{H}}_2\mathrm{O}\left(\mathrm{l}\right)\to 2\mathrm{NaOH}\left(\mathrm{aq}\right)+{\mathrm{H}}_2\left(\mathrm{g}\right) \\ \mathrm{Sodium}\mathrm{Sodium}\mathrm{hydroxide} \end{gathered}$$