Reactions of metals with water

4 marks · Normal

The following table lists four metals and the conditions under which they react with water:

Complete the table with the observations you would expect for each case.

Work this out on paper, then compare with the answer and worked solution below. With a free account you can submit written answers for marking.

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Also accept: Allow alternative correct phrasing, e.g. 'no reaction' for magnesium with cold water.

Common mistakes: Describing reaction for copper; Saying magnesium reacts with cold water

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Marking points

C1 · 1 mark · Sodium + cold water: rapid fizzing; forms hydrogen and sodium hydroxide; sodium melts/moves.

C2 · 1 mark · Magnesium + cold water: almost no reaction; possibly a few bubbles if very clean.

C3 · 1 mark · Magnesium + steam: burns with bright white flame; forms white magnesium oxide and hydrogen.

C4 · 1 mark · Copper + steam: no reaction/No observable change.

Worked solution

Metal	Condition	Observation
Sodium	cold water	Fizzing/rapid reaction, sodium moves on surface, hydrogen gas given off
Magnesium	cold water	Almost no reaction; maybe a few bubbles if very clean
Magnesium	steam	Burns with bright white flame, white solid (magnesium oxide) forms, hydrogen gas
Copper	steam	No reaction/No observable change