why does potassium have to be under oil?

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why does potassium have to be under oil?

potassium is stored under oil. why??

2007-12-19 14:19:40 · 3 answers · asked by Anonymous in Science & Mathematics ➔ Chemistry

3 answers

It is kept under oil because it is very reactive with H2O. It will catch on fire when put in H2O. It will even react with the moisture in the air. Air also oxidizes it.

2007-12-19 14:26:13 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋

Potassium, a soft white metal, is very reactive with oxygen in the air, and humidity (water vapor). It is kept under oil so that air and water can't get at it and react, using up the pure potassium.

2007-12-19 14:27:47 · answer #2 · answered by papastolte 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋

It is highly reactive in the air.

2007-12-19 14:27:47 · answer #3 · answered by hamrrfan 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋