Question

Explain why reactivity of lithium with water is less vigorous than sodium

Answer 1

Lithium, sodium and potassium all react vigorously with water. Hydrogen gas bubbles off and, in the case of potassium, this burns with a lilac flame. The metal hydroxide is formed which is a strong alkali.

Alkali metals need to be stored under oil to prevent them reacting with the oxygen and water vapour in the air.

The reactivity of the alkali metals increases down own group. Potassium reacts morevigorously than sodium and lithium is the least reactive