Potassium reacting with water in a water bath. Potassium is a highly reactive metallic element of group one of the periodic table. When added to water


Potassium reacting with water in a water bath. Potassium is a highly reactive metallic element of group one of the periodic table. When added to water, it reacts to produce potassium hydroxide (soluble) and hydrogen gas. The heat of the reaction ignites the hydrogen gas, which burns and sparks with a pink-lilac flame due to the presence of the potassium. The heat of the reaction also melts the potassium, which forms a molten ball that floats on the water's surface.


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Photo credit: © MARTYN F. CHILLMAID/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No

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