Group 1 & 2 Metals + Cold Water
Cambridge IGCSE Chemistry (0620) · Papers 3 & 4 · 34 Total Marks
⚠️ HAZARD WARNING — Group 1 Metals
Potassium and sodium react violently with water, producing flammable H₂ gas. Always use a safety screen. Never handle with bare hands — use tweezers.
Virtual Lab: Metal + Water Reactions
Q1.Name the two products formed when calcium reacts with cold water.
Q2.Name the gas produced when sodium reacts with cold water.
Q3.Write the word equation for the reaction between potassium and cold water.
Q4.Why does the water turn alkaline after potassium reacts with it?
Q5.Write the balanced symbol equation, with state symbols, for the reaction between lithium and cold water.
Q6.State two observations when sodium is added to a trough of cold water.
Q7.State THREE differences in observation when potassium is added to cold water compared to sodium.
Q8.A student adds a few drops of universal indicator to water before placing a small piece of lithium on the surface. Describe what the student would observe during and after the reaction.
Q9.Describe the observation when a piece of calcium is placed in cold water. Your answer should include the rate of reaction compared to sodium.
Q10.A student tests the gas produced when potassium reacts with water. Describe the test and result.
Q11.Explain why iron does not react visibly with cold water in a laboratory experiment.
Q12.Place the following metals in order of reactivity (most reactive first) based on their reactions with cold water, and justify your order with one piece of evidence for each: Potassium, Sodium, Calcium, Lithium.
Q13.Which of the following correctly explains why more reactive metals react more vigorously with cold water?
Q14.Magnesium reacts very slowly with cold water but reacts vigorously with steam. Write a balanced equation for the reaction of magnesium with steam and explain the difference in reactivity.
Q15.A student adds small pieces of lithium, calcium and iron separately to three beakers of cold water. Compare and contrast the reactions observed. In your answer, refer to the reactivity series and write a balanced equation for the most vigorous reaction observed. [4 marks]
📊 Quick Reference — Reactivity with Cold Water
Key Equations: 2K + 2H₂O → 2KOH + H₂ · 2Na + 2H₂O → 2NaOH + H₂ · Ca + 2H₂O → Ca(OH)₂ + H₂
All reactions produce Metal Hydroxide + Hydrogen gas
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