Lithium is the first of the reactive metals (i.e. they readily exchange electrons with H2O).
I recall a school experiment where the teacher used a small block of Sodium (Na) (Sodium being the next reactive metal up in the periodic table, Potassium is the next one) in a bowl of water and it fizzed around like a nutter until it was all gone.
When the teacher left the room for something, we took the main Sodium block out of its oil-wrap and set it up over the water bowl separated by a sheet of card with some string attached.
We then ducked behind a desk and pulled the string.
Many years later when I had the chance to revisit my school, I noted that the the ceiling repairs from our experiment were still evident :D
Lithium is the first of the reactive metals (i.e. they readily exchange electrons with H2O).
I recall a school experiment where the teacher used a small block of Sodium (Na) (Sodium being the next reactive metal up in the periodic table, Potassium is the next one) in a bowl of water and it fizzed around like a nutter until it was all gone.
When the teacher left the room for something, we took the main Sodium block out of its oil-wrap and set it up over the water bowl separated by a sheet of card with some string attached.
We then ducked behind a desk and pulled the string.
Many years later when I had the chance to revisit my school, I noted that the the ceiling repairs from our experiment were still evident :D
Bottom line: Don't mix reactive metals and water.