Page 2 - LN

Mg + H 2O MgO + H 2

MagnesiumSteam Magnesium oxide hydrogen gas

Less reactive metals above hydrogen in the reactivity series like aluminium,
zinc and iron do not react with cold or hot water. They react with only steam to
produce respective metal oxide and hydrogen gas.

2Al + 3H 2O Al 2O 3 + 3H 2
Aluminium Steam Aluminium oxide hydrogen gas

Zn + H 2O ZnO + H 2
Zinc Steam Zinc oxide hydrogen gas

2Fe + 3H 2O Fe 2O 3 + 3H 2
Iron Steam Ferric oxide hydrogen gas

Least reactive metals like Lead, Copper, Mercury, Silver and Gold do not react with
water or steam.

Reaction of metals with water: -

Metal Reactivity
Potassium They react vigorously with cold water. The heat generated from the
(K) reaction can ignite the metal
Sodium
(Na)
Calcium It reacts a bit slowly in cold water.
(Ca)
Magnesium It reacts very slowly with hot water. It reacts with steam when being
(Mg) heated and gives hydrogen gas and metal oxide.
Aluminium They do not react with cold or hot water. They react with steam
(Al) when being heated and give hydrogen gas and respective metal
Zinc (Zn) oxides.
Iron (Fe) (Iron oxidises to hydrated iron oxide (Fe 2O 3.H 2O / rust) when
oxygen is present in the water.
Lead They do not react with water or steam.
Copper
Mercury
Silver
Gold

 When metals react with water (hot/cold) they form respective metal hydroxide.
When they react with steam, they form respective metal oxide.

Reaction of non - metals with water.

Page2