Write a balanced equation for the reaction that occurs in...

Write a balanced equation for the reaction that occurs in each of the following cases:
(a) Lithium is added to water.
(b) Calcium is added to water.
(c) Potassium reacts with chlorine gas.
(d) Rubidium reacts with oxygen.

Key Concepts

Metal-Halogen Reactions

When metals react with halogens like chlorine, they form ionic compounds (halides) through a redox process. The metal donates electrons to the halogen, leading to the formation of metal cations and halide anions, and resulting in highly exothermic reaction processes.

Stoichiometry

Stoichiometry involves determining the correct proportional amounts of reactants and products in a chemical reaction so that the law of conservation of mass is met. This concept is fundamental in balancing chemical equations, as it ensures that the number of atoms for each element is the same on both sides of the reaction.

Chemical Reactivity of Alkali Metals

Alkali metals typically react vigorously with water to produce metal hydroxides and hydrogen gas. This behavior is due to their low ionization energies and the ease with which they lose their single valence electron, making their reactions highly exothermic and characteristic of this group.

Chemical Reactivity of Alkaline Earth Metals

Alkaline earth metals such as calcium react with water, though often less energetically than alkali metals, to form metal hydroxides and hydrogen gas. Their reactions are influenced by their electron configurations and the gradual increase in reactivity down the group.

Metal-Oxygen Reactions

The reaction between metals and oxygen typically results in the formation of metal oxides. These reactions involve oxidation of the metal and reduction of oxygen, and they require careful balancing of oxygen atoms, often starting from diatomic oxygen, to satisfy both mass conservation and proper oxidation state assignments.

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