Question

Enter a balanced chemical equation for the reaction of solid rubidium with liquid water.

a) 2Rb(s) + 2H2O(l) → 2RbOH(aq) + H2(g)
b) Rb(s) + H2O(l) → RbOH(aq) + H2(g)
c) Rb(s) + 2H2O(l) → 2RbOH(aq) + H2(g)
d) Rb(s) + H2O(l) → RbOH(s) + H2(g)

Answer 1

The balanced chemical equation for the reaction of solid rubidium with water is 2 Rb(s) + 2 H₂O(l) → 2 RbOH(aq) + H₂(g), which indicates a vigorous reaction producing rubidium hydroxide and hydrogen gas.

Step-by-step explanation:

The balanced chemical equation for the reaction of solid rubidium (Rb) with liquid water is 2 Rb(s) + 2 H₂O(l) → 2 RbOH(aq) + H₂(g). This equation represents the vigorous and immediate reaction that occurs when rubidium comes into contact with water, producing rubidium hydroxide and hydrogen gas. The reaction is not in equilibrium, so the representation with one mol of Rb and H₂O does not capture the intensity and stoichiometry of the reaction accurately.