Write the chemical equation to represent what happens when a small piece of pottasium is dropped in a beaker of water.
2K + 2H2O ==> 2KOH + H2
an answer
To write the chemical equation for the reaction between a small piece of potassium (K) and water (H2O), we need to know the products that are formed.
Here is the balanced chemical equation:
2K(s) + 2H2O(l) → 2KOH(aq) + H2(g)
Explanation of the reaction:
- First, we identify the reactants: The small piece of potassium (K) and water (H2O).
- Potassium (K) is a highly reactive metal belonging to Group 1 of the periodic table.
- Water (H2O) is a compound made up of two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom.
- Potassium reacts vigorously with water, resulting in the formation of potassium hydroxide (KOH) and hydrogen gas (H2).
- The reactants and products are represented by their respective chemical formulas.
- The number in front of each chemical formula indicates the stoichiometric coefficient, showing the ratio in which reactants and products combine or are produced.
- In this case, two moles of potassium react with two moles of water, forming two moles of potassium hydroxide and one mole of hydrogen gas.
Please note that this reaction is highly exothermic, meaning it releases a significant amount of heat and can cause the evolved hydrogen gas to ignite. Proper safety precautions should be followed when handling potassium or any other reactive metal.