Q80E - Chemistry (OpenStax)

Question

Using equations, describe the reaction of water with potassium and with potassium oxide.

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

As a result of the reaction of water with potassium and potassium oxide, potassium hydroxide is formed. In addition, when water reacts with potassium, hydrogen gas is produced.

Step 1: Details of potassium

• In the periodic table, potassium (K) belongs to group IA. It's a valence electron configuration of \(4\;{{\rm{s}}^1}\) alkali metal.
• Alkali metals are highly electropositive, which means they readily lose valence electrons, making them reactive.

Step 2: Reaction of water with potassium

The reaction of water with potassium produces potassium hydroxide and hydrogen gas.

 

\(2\;{\rm{K}} + 2{{\rm{H}}_2}{\rm{O}} \to 2{\rm{KOH}} + {{\rm{H}}_2}\)

 

The creation of potassium hydroxide occurs when water reacts with potassium oxide.

 

\({{\rm{K}}_2}{\rm{O}} + {{\rm{H}}_2}{\rm{O}} \to 2{\rm{KOH}}\)