Reactions of Metals with Water
Introduction
Elements on the Periodic Table were initially organized according to similarity in
chemical properties. Some metals have been observed to react with water. In this lab you will
explore reactions of various metals with water. Metals are: lithium, sodium, potassium,
magnesium, calcium. You will observe carefully and draw conclusions on relative reactivity of
those metals reacting with water.
Pre-lab Assignment
1. On the Periodic Table of Elements, identify the groups for the metals specified above.
2. Write the ground state electron configuration, orbital diagram, and Lewis dot structure for
each metal.
3. Define the Octet Rule.
4. What would the alkali and alkaline earth metals want to do according to the Octet Rule?
Explain in detail.
5. What is an acid? A base?
6. What is phenolphthalein pH indicator?
7. Set up data table according to the procedures. Remember to leave ample space for
detailed observations.
8. What type of data will be collected in this lab?
9. Come up with an approach that would enable visual comparisons between reactions
of metals with water.
Materials
 Lithium metal
 Sodium metal
 Potassium metal
 Magnesium metal
 Calcium metal
 400-mL beakers
 100-mL beakers
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Wire gauze
50mL graduated
cylinder
Phenolphthalein pH
indicator solution
Hydrochloric acid
solution
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Sodium hydroxide
solution
glass stirring rods
distilled water
wash bottle
Procedures
Part A – Acid, Base and Phenolphthalein pH indicator
1. In two 100-mL beaker, pour in approximate 20 mL distilled water. Observe.
2. To one beaker add 10 drops of hydrochloric acid aqueous solutions HCl (aq), and 10
drops of sodium hydroxide aqueous NaOH (aq)solution to the other. Observe.
3. Add two drops of phenolphthalein pH indicator solution to each beaker. Secure dropper
bottle. Observe.
4. Clean up by gently rinsing the beaker in sink water without splashing water. Dry table of
any water before starting Part B.
Part B – Metals Reacting Water
1. In a 400-mL beaker, pour in approximate 200 mL distilled water.
2. Obtain a small piece of metal from the teacher on a piece of Parafilm. Observe.
3. Drop the metal into the 400-mL beaker with distilled water. Put the wire gauze
immediately over the beaker to prevent splashing. Observe.
4. Allow the reaction (if there is any) to proceed to its completion. Observe.
5. Introduce couple of drops of phenolphthalein pH indicator solution into the reaction
mixture after the reaction has ceased. Observe.
6. Repeat steps 1-5 for each metal.
Note: lithium, sodium and potassium have to be obtained from the teacher. Magnesium
and calcium are in the sample vials.
7. Clean up according to instructions from the teacher.
Data: leave ample room for observations
Part A – Acid, Base and Phenolphthalein pH indicator
Data Table 1
Part B – Metals Reacting Water
Data Table 2
Data Analysis:
Part A – Acid, Base and Phenolphthalein pH indicator
 Any observed color change in solutions?
Part B – Metals Reacting Water
 Any observable differences in reactivity of metals with water?
 Any observable trends?
Conclusions and Discussions:
Reminder: conclusions must be made based on data collected in the lab.
Post-lab Questions:
1. Is there any difference in terms of reactivity towards water from the different metals?
2. If yes, any trends?
3. Challenging question: Explain any observed difference in relative reactivity towards
water. Be specific.
4. Very challenging question: to be asked in class
What have you learned in this lab? Questions, critique…complete lab report