Sodium, this neutral atom with a loosely-held outermost electron, is now in the presence of water. This isn't just the neutral H2O molecules, but the hydroxyl ions and the individual protons.

In its pure form, the soft, shiny metal reacts in water to form sodium hydroxide and hydrogen gas. Oh, and lots of heat—enough that the hydrogen gas ignites. That’s the flash and bang for you.

Alone, it's explosive. Combined with chlorine, it's table salt. When mixed with water, sodium reacts spectacularly. The combination produces sodium hydroxide, hydrogen gas and heat (the technical ...

Small pieces of calcium are placed in water. The calcium reacts with the water but does not get nearly as hot as either the sodium or potassium. Also, the calcium hydroxide produced forms a white ...

When a metal reacts with water, a metal hydroxide and hydrogen are formed.. metal + water → metal hydroxide + hydrogen. Potassium and sodium react very vigorously with water.. A small piece of ...