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The Reactivity Series

The Reaction of Metals with Water.

Potassium, sodium, lithium and calcium react with cold water,
see alkali metals and alkaline earth metals.

Metals in the reactivity series from magnesium to iron
react with steam - H₂O_(g) but not water - H₂O_(l).
The reaction forms the metal oxide and hydrogen gas.
You must know the test for hydrogen gas.

magnesium + steam  magnesium oxide   +  hydrogen.
Mg_(s)    +    H₂O_(g)             MgO_(s)         +         H_2(g)

aluminium  +  steam      aluminium oxide  +   hydrogen.
2Al_(s)    +    3H₂O_(g)              Al₂O_3(s)      +      3H_2(g)

zinc    +    steam             zinc oxide     +   hydrogen.
Zn_(s)   +   H₂O_(g)              ZnO_(s)         +         H_2(g)

iron     +     steam           iron(III) oxide  +   hydrogen.
2Fe_(s)    +    3H₂O_(g)              Fe₂O_3(s)      +      3H_2(g)
Note that the reaction between iron and steam is reversible.

Tin, lead, copper, silver, gold and platinum
do not react with water or steam.

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