How is lithium metal oxidized by water? What is the reduction product?

1 Answer
Sep 8, 2015

Lithium is in Group I of the periodic table. It forms #I^+# ions.

So, #Li(s) + H_2O(l) rarr Li^+(aq) + OH^-##(aq)# + #1/2H_2(g)uarr#

Explanation:

Lithium metal is oxidized to give dihydrogen gas. Of course, I cannot have half a hydrogen molecule, but I can have a #1 *g# mass of hydrogen. Of course I could multiply both sides of the equation by 2 to remove the #1/2# coefficient.