Sodium reacts with water exploded in second
Alkali metals react with water and acid to give spectacular reaction is a fact that sparks people interest. Especially to those first met chemistry.
The reaction of alkali metal and water is simplified as
2M + 2H2O --> 2MOH + H2
Where M represents alkali metal, and Hydrogen gas is the explosive component released. However, the explosive reaction does not singly due to release of explosive Hydrogen gas.
When a piece of considerably size of Sodium is added to water, it immediately evolves Hydrogen gas and generate heat, heat is then accumulated. When the outermost oxidized layer is consumed, reaction rate increase gradually, until it catches fire, heat and vigorous reaction with both water and air lead to the devastating results.
The piece of Sodium is then exploded into fine pieces, burnt in the mid air, similar to fireworks. Majority of Sodium burnt in the mid air, hence leave no residue. It is quite sure that the reaction did not simply rely on evolved Hydrogen, explaining Caesium's explosive nature.
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