Question

Which of the following reacts only with steam?

• A. Calcium
• B. Magnesium
• C. Copper
• D. Iron

Answer 1

The correct option is D

Iron

The explanation for the correct option

Option (D): Iron reacts with steam vigorously to form Iron Oxide and Hydrogen gas.

The chemical reaction of iron with steam is given as:

$\mathrm{Fe}\left(\mathrm{s}\right)+{\mathrm{H}}_2\mathrm{O}\left(\mathrm{g}\right)\to {\mathrm{Fe}}_2{\mathrm{O}}_3\left(\mathrm{s}\right)+{\mathrm{H}}_2\left(\mathrm{g}\right)\uparrow$

The explanation for the incorrect option:

Option (A): Calcium reacts with cold water vigorously to form Calcium Hydroxide and Hydrogen gas.

$\mathrm{Ca}\left(\mathrm{s}\right)+{\mathrm{H}}_2\mathrm{O}\left(\mathrm{l}\right)\to \mathrm{Ca}{\left(\mathrm{OH}\right)}_2\left(\mathrm{aq}\right)+{\mathrm{H}}_2\left(\mathrm{g}\right)\uparrow$

Option (B): Magnesium metal reacts with hot water to form magnesium Hydroxide and Hydrogen gas.

$\mathrm{Mg}\left(\mathrm{s}\right)+{\mathrm{H}}_2\mathrm{O}\left(\mathrm{l}\right)\to \mathrm{Mg}{\left(\mathrm{OH}\right)}_2\left(\mathrm{aq}\right)+{\mathrm{H}}_2\left(\mathrm{g}\right)\uparrow$

Option (C): Copper shows no reaction as it does not react with water.

Therefore, Option (D) is correct.