Question

Why do alkali metals float on water?

Answer 1

Alkali metals float on water:

1. The majority of alkali metals usually generate a lot of heat when they are put in water.
2. This is as a result of the significant quantity of energy generated during the reaction with water.
3. Alkali metals react with water in an exothermic manner as a result.
4. However, a liquid drop of a sodium-potassium alloy appeared to float when we dropped it into the water. Buoyancy is the cause of this.
5. Alkali metals and water combine to generate hydroxides when they react. In addition, a surplus of energy and hydrogen gas is released.
6. The reaction is slowed down by the alloy's buoyancy and the gas it produces, which means that little heat is created at once.
7. The pace at which metals react with water grows quickly as we move lower in the group of alkali metals.
8. An increase in hydration energy is the cause of this.
9. As a result, the reaction takes on a more exothermic character.
10. However, sometimes alloy floats on the water's surface when we use it.
11. The most reactive metal is potassium. Lithium, sodium, and potassium metals can therefore float on the water's surface for just a very brief period of time. If and only if the density of the water is greater than the density of the substance or element, the substance or element will float on the water.
12. The element will experience buoyancy while floating on the water's surface. Metals with a density higher than that of water will sink.