2006-10-10 13:24:41 · 4 answers · asked by JEFF D 2 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Chemistry
The solid form of potassium is very reactive and will explode when in contact with water. The reaction with water produces hydrogen gas and the heat of the reaction causes the hydrogen gas to explode.
The ion form of potassium (as in bananas) is not dangerous for you unless taken in vast quantities.
2006-10-10 13:37:03 · answer #1 · answered by physandchemteach 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It sure is! It reacts with water and bursts into flame. Even to touch it will cause you a severe chemical burn, because you have sweat on your fingers, and the potassium will react with that, and stick to your skin, and then burn a hole into your finger. And yeah, that will hurt too! A lot!
(You may THINK your fingertips are bone dry, but they are not. So don't touch this stuff.)
2006-10-10 20:52:15 · answer #2 · answered by MrZ 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
potassium reacts violently with water..builds up hydrogen gas that can and usually does explode
2006-10-10 20:27:53 · answer #3 · answered by The Cheminator 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well, it burns if yhou drop it in water -- it'll even burn (and burn _you_) if you handle it with moist hands. Then once it starts it'll keep burning and scorch its way through most building materials, start fires in combustible material, and give off poisonous fumes.
Aside from that, it's not dangerous.
2006-10-10 20:34:01 · answer #4 · answered by Dick Eney 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋