Which of the following element starts to float when immersed in cold water?
Certain metals react with water to give metal hydroxide and hydrogen gas. In this case, calcium reacts less vigorously with water to form hydrogen gas. The metal starts floating because the bubbles of hydrogen gas formed and stick to the surface of the metal.
Ca+2H2O→Ca(OH)2+H2
Sodium and potassium react vigorously with water and liberate hydrogen gas.
Noble metals like gold and platinum react neither with water nor with strong acids.