Write a balanced equation for the reaction that occurs in each of the following cases: (a) Cesium is added to water.

Key Concepts

Chemical Reactions

A chemical reaction involves the transformation of reactants into products through the breaking and forming of chemical bonds. In this case, the reaction between cesium and water is a type of single displacement reaction, where cesium displaces hydrogen from water, leading to the formation of cesium hydroxide and hydrogen gas.

Balancing Chemical Equations

Balancing a chemical equation ensures that the number of atoms for each element is the same on both sides of the equation, adhering to the law of conservation of mass. This involves adjusting coefficients in front of compounds to achieve equal atom counts, which is crucial for accurately representing the reaction.

Reactivity of Alkali Metals

Alkali metals, such as cesium, are highly reactive, especially with water. This reactivity increases down the group in the periodic table, leading to vigorous reactions that produce hydroxides and hydrogen gas. Understanding this reactivity is essential for predicting the products and the nature of the reaction when cesium is added to water.