Potassium Reacting with Water

2K + 2H₂O → 2KOH + H₂

Overview

Potassium reacts even more violently with water than sodium, instantly producing potassium hydroxide and hydrogen gas. The hydrogen ignites immediately with a characteristic lilac/violet flame from potassium vapor. The reaction can cause small explosions due to its extreme vigor.

Participants

Role	Substance	Coefficient	State
Reactant	Potassium K	2	(s)
Reactant	Water H₂O	2	(l)
Product	Hydrogen H	1	(g)
Product	Potassium Hydroxide KOH	2	(aq)

Everyday Example

Chemistry demonstrations with potassium in water produce a spectacular violet flame as the evolved hydrogen ignites spontaneously.

Industrial Importance

Potassium hydroxide (caustic potash) is an important industrial alkali used in soap making, battery electrolyte, and fertilizer production.

Properties

Type: Single Replacement
Reversible: No
Energy: Exothermic
ΔH: -392.2 kJ/mol

Related Reactions

Aluminum Reacting with Hydrochloric Acid Aluminum Reacting with Iron(III) Oxide (Thermite) Aluminum Reducing Chromium Oxide (Aluminothermic) Calcium Reacting with Water Carbon Reducing Iron Oxide in Blast Furnace Chlorine Displacing Bromine from Sodium Bromide Chlorine Displacing Iodine from Potassium Iodide Copper Displacing Silver from Silver Nitrate Fluorine Displacing Chlorine from Sodium Chloride Hydrogen Reducing Copper Oxide

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the equation for Potassium Reacting with Water?

The balanced equation is: 2K + 2H₂O → 2KOH + H₂.

What type of reaction is Potassium Reacting with Water?

Potassium Reacting with Water is a single replacement reaction.

Is Potassium Reacting with Water exothermic or endothermic?

Potassium Reacting with Water is exothermic (releases energy). The enthalpy change (ΔH) is -392.2 kJ/mol.