Lithium reacts with water to form lithium hydroxide and hydrogen gas ; the reaction is exothermic and usually produces fizzing or bubbling as the gas escapes.

What you would observe

  • The lithium often floats on the water because it is less dense than water.
  • It moves around and fizzes as hydrogen gas is released.
  • The solution becomes alkaline/basic because lithium hydroxide dissolves in the water.

Chemical equation

2Li(s)+2H2O(l)→2LiOH(aq)+H2(g)2Li(s)+2H_2O(l)\rightarrow 2LiOH(aq)+H_2(g)2Li(s)+2H2​O(l)→2LiOH(aq)+H2​(g)

Safety note

This reaction can release flammable hydrogen and heat, so it should only be done in a controlled lab setting with proper supervision.

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