Chemistry reactivity series

Reaction of Metals with cold water, steam.

Reaction of potassium with cold water

Reacts very violently in cold water. Potassium hydroxide solution and hydrogen produced. Potassium darts violently on the surface of the water and melts. Fizzing occurs.

Reaction of sodium with cold water

Reacts violently in cold water. Sodium hydroxide solution and hydrogen gas produced. Sodium darts violently on the surface of water and melts into a silvery ball. Fizzing occurs

Reaction of calcium with cold water

Reacts readily with cold water. Rapid effervescence seen, colourless and odourless gas evolved. Calcium hydroxide solution and hydrogen gas produced. Solution turns cloudly.

Reaction of magnesium with cold water or steam

Magnesium reacts slowly with cold water to form magnesium hydroxide and hydrogen gas. Hot magnesium reacts violently with steam. Magnesium oxide and hydrogen gas produced. Silvery magnesium turns white and bright white glow is produced during the reaction.

Reaction of Aluminium with cold water or steam.

Aluminium metal does not react with water or steam. Aluminium is covered with a thin layer of non-porous aluminium oxide which protects it from reacting.

Reaction of zinc with cold water or steam

Does not react with cold water. Hot zinc reacts readily with steam. Zinc oxide and hydrogen gas is produced. Grey zinc solid becomes coated with a yellow solid which becomes white when cold.

Reaction of iron with cold water or steam

Does not react with cold water. Red hot iron reacts slowly with steam. Iron oxide and hydrogen gas is formed. Grey iron turns red hot on heating and black when cold.

Reaction of lead with cold water or steam

No reaction with cold water or steam