How do you know what compounds or elements are produced when potassium comes in contact with water? ?

Question

also..does anyone know how to balance an equation like this?

Answer 1

The molecules of water are composed of 2 H and 1 O. Naturally, a K atom which as a +1 charge will react with a hydroxide ion (OH) with a charge -1, breaking the water molecule and forming potassium hydroxide (KOH) and molecular hydrogen along with a large amount of heat. The heat causes a reaction between the released hydrogen and oxygen in the atmosphere producing a flame. The equation looks like this:

K₂+2H₂O -> 2KOH+H₂

Answer 2

Potassium is an alkalai metal, very easy to oxidize because it has a relatively high energy electron.  So the metal K(s)  oxidizes to K+.  In water, this will reduce an H+ to H(dot).  Two of these will give you a hydrogen molecule.  The resulting hydroxide ions balance the potassium ions. So the equation is:

2 K(s) + 2 H2O  -> 2 KOH  +  H2

Answer 3

Hm..Potassium is K, water's H2O. I think it would be a single displacement reaction, and the potassium and hydrogen would switch, since potassium is higher in activity. So...hydrogen and potassium oxide I'm pretty sure? Which would be H2 + K2O.

And IF that's right, you go...2K + H2O arrow H2 + K2O

Maybe. Just maybe.

Answer 4

K is an alkali metal, so imagine water acting as an acid. Then you get the general equation, acid + metal = hydrogen + salt

H2O + K → H2 + KOH, where a hydroxide is a salt of water.

Now you need to balance. 2H2O + 2K → H2 + 2KOH