Does the water molecules really split when potassium is added?
Yes, it is true. The massive explosion depends on the amount of potassium. Potassium (and sodium) are often used in a demo where a small amount is added to water. The small amount begins to react vigorously, melts into a sphere from the heat and skitters around on the surface. Sometimes, a flame is given off as the heat causes the hydrogen produced to react with oxygen in the air. If you put some phenolphthalein in the water, it turns pink. 2K + 2H2O —> 2KOH + H2 In addition, the beaker of water is covered with wire gauze after the K or Na is dropped in. My college professor flubbed it while doing the demo, dropped the wire gauze, and before he could put it back on, a small explosion happened and the piece shot out and hit him in the goggles. There is something to be said for safety in the lab! I caution you to not try and steal some Na of K from your school and try it yourself. You’ll use too much and cause a real problem.
