Answer to Question #255406 in General Chemistry for Amy-229

Question

When potassium metal is added to water, it react violently, but when potassium react with methanol, it forms bubbles. Why is this happening? why is potassium more reactive in water than in methanol

Answer 1

The molten metal spreads over the water and exposes a larger surface to water. Also, the hydrated radius of lithium is the greatest out of all alkali metals. This reduces the ionic mobility which in turn reduces the speed of the molten metal. That's why potassium gives a more violent reaction with water.