What reaction occurs when lithium reacts with water?

When lithium reacts with water, the main reaction produces lithium hydroxide and hydrogen gas. This is an important reaction in understanding how alkali metals behave when they come into contact with water.

During the reaction, lithium (a highly reactive alkali metal) displaces hydrogen from water, forming lithium hydroxide, which is an alkali, and hydrogen gas. The reaction is exothermic, meaning it releases heat, and the hydrogen gas produced is indeed flammable, creating potential safety hazards if not handled properly.

The formation of lithium hydroxide contributes to the basic nature of the solution formed in the reaction, while the evolution of hydrogen gas is significant, as it can ignite or explode if it accumulates in sufficient concentrations, especially with the presence of heat.

This understanding helps to appreciate not only the chemistry involved but also the practical implications of handling alkali metals and their reactions with water, highlighting the need for caution in laboratory and industrial settings.