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What happens when sodium or potassium are left outside in the open?

Answer 1

The surface slowly oxidizes and degrades.

The alkali metal will react with atmospheric oxygen and moisture that is in the air.

#M(s) + H_2O(g) rarr MOH(s) + 1/2H_2(g)#

#M(s) + O_2(g) rarr M_2O(s)#

The process is slow because this is a heterogeneous reaction. Frequently, waste metal lumps can be thrown in the trash; when they come into contact with water, the potassium metal will ignite anything that is combustible.

Without a doubt, potassium residues need to be appropriately managed. Ask for help if you need it!

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Answer 2

Cooper Adams

If potassium or sodium are left out in the open, they will react with the moisture to form hydroxides and release hydrogen gas; they will also react with the oxygen to form oxides; these reactions can create a surface layer that will prevent additional reactions with the moisture or air.

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Answer from HIX Tutor

When evaluating a one-sided limit, you need to be careful when a quantity is approaching zero since its sign is different depending on which way it is approaching zero from. Let us look at some examples.