2007-09-02 07:53:00 · 5 answers · asked by ahmedsyed2 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Chemistry
No they don't burn underwater! They react vigourously with water producing hydrogen which can get hot enough to ignite on the surface where oxygen is present.
2007-09-02 10:51:20 · answer #1 · answered by Aurium 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Well all alkali earth metals will react with water. The metal pulls a hydrogen from the water molecule and the reaction produces so much heat that it burns. The reaction also produces hydrogen gas which can ignite and you will get an even bigger flame. As to your question, if you are UNDERWATER then it will only react and the hydrogen gas will bubble up to the top.
2007-09-02 09:34:30 · answer #2 · answered by scott k 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I was a chem major once, lets see if i remember correctly-
they're alkali metals, and when an alkali metal gets dropped under water the metal reacts with the water (h2o) by ripping off the hydrogen (the H of the H2O). Then the heat that gets generated by that reaction is enough to light the hydrogen on fire.
2007-09-02 08:03:49 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
it want to oxidize the water so fast that it takes the oxygen from water and drops to an energy state lower. the drop to the lower energy is one that is in the visible and thermal region of the specrum which allows for the visualization of the reaction (fire). they are such good oxidizers this is the reason.
2007-09-02 08:01:42 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
They remove oxygen from the water, they are so active.
2007-09-02 07:59:06 · answer #5 · answered by Robert S 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋