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Moshe Rakhman

What is the difference between the reaction of potassium and sodium with water?

Bradley Bobbs  Follow

The reaction is the same. The only difference is the reactivity. Both, K and Na, have a very high reactivity but that of potassium is even more reactive. When you add K or Na in water you have to do it very carefully because the reaction is explosive and develops hydrogen instantaneously.

2 Na + 2 H2O → 2 NaOH + H2

2 K + 2 H2O → 2 KOH + H2

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Barbara Mckeon  Follow

First difference: Potassium reacts more vigourously and explosively with water while Sodium reacts less violently with water when compared to potassium.

Second difference: Although both Group I metals form metal hydroxides when reacted with water, however, they form Sodium Hydroxide (for sodium metal) and hydrogen gas, and potassium hydroxide(for potassium metal) and hydrogen gas respectively.

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