Question

Explain the reactions of different metals with hot water , cold water and stream ? Give one example of each with proper balanced equations.​

Answer 1

Answer:

Sodium reacts explosively with cold water. The reaction results in the formation of their respective hydroxides and hydrogen gas. The reaction is so violent and exothermic that the evolved hydrogen catches fire. These metals give hydroxides with water as their oxides are soluble in water.

2Na(s) + 2H2O(l) → 2NaOH(aq) + H2(g) + Heat

On the other hand, metals such as iron do not react with cold water or hot water. However, it reacts with steam to give their respective oxides and hydrogen gas.

3Fe(s) + 4H2O(g) → Fe3O4(aq) + 4H2 

Thus, metals react with water to form metal oxides and hydrogen gas. Some metal oxides are soluble in water. These metal oxides form hydroxides by reacting with one or more water molecules. The general reaction for the process is given as:

Metal + Water → Metal oxide + Hydrogen Metal oxide + Water → Metal Hydroxide

The vigor with which a metal reacts with water differs from metal to metal. Some metals react with cold water, others with hot water, while some react only with steam. There are also metals that do not even react with steam.

For example, silver and gold do not react with water at all.