Question

Which of the following metals will react with water to produce a metal hydroxide and hydrogen gas? (2 points) a Al b Bi c Na d Fe

Answer 1

Answer is Na (Sodium)

Sodium react with water and make Sodium Hydroxide [NaOH] and liberate out Hydrogen gas.

$Na + H_{2}O ------> NaOH + H_{2}$

Balanced chemical reaction would be

$2Na + 2H_{2}O ------> 2NaOH + H_{2}$

General reaction for Group 1 and group 2 metals is

Metal + Water ----> Metal Hydroxide + Hydrogen Gas

Thought Aluminium is also a metal but it creates a thin layer of aluminum oxide (a protective layer) on it's surface that prevents the metal from further reaction with water.

but if some how the protective shield is removed then reaction would be

2Al + 6H₂O ---> 2Al(OH)₃ + 3H₂

in case of Fe (Iron) reaction can only be achieved after heating, else in presence of Oxygen rusting will occur.

3Fe + 2H₂O = Fe₃O₄ + 2H₂