Question

The value of electrode potential of lithium is more -ve than sodium then why why it react with water less vigorously then sodium ??

Answer 1

Although the value of electrode potential of lithium is more -ve than sodium, it reacts with water less vigorously then sodium due to its high melting point. Sodium has a comparatively low melting point due to which it melts during the initial stage of its reaction with water as a result of which more surface of metal is exposed to reaction due to which the reaction occurs violently. Lithium on the other hand remains solid and thus reacts less violently with water.