METALS, ACTIVE
calcium
lithium
magnesium
potassium
sodium
strontium
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
-
|
Active metals react violently with water and can cause fires and explosions. Their reaction with alcohols is less violent but can still be hazardous and should be carried out with care.
These metals can cause severe damage to the skin and eyes. Sodium metal reacts violently with water to form hydrogen gas.
Hydrogen mixed with air in almost any proportions is an explosive mixture. Usually, the hydrogen gas will catch fire as a result of the heat liberated by the sodium-water reaction. See Appendix F for the safe use of sodium metal. Lithium metal has similar reactive properties to sodium.
Potassium metal is even more reactive than sodium, and is not allowed in NSW schools.
Calcium reacts much more to slowly with water than sodium, but explosions are still known to have occurred when hydrogen/air mixtures have been trapped in a confined space and ignited. Limit the risk from active metals by using the smallest possible amount for experiments.ALSO SEE SEPARATE LISTING FOR EACH CHEMICAL.
See Appendix F.
|
