KABOOM! Caesium meets Water
Caesium gives up its outer electron more easily than almost any other element. The moment it touches water it explodes, releasing hydrogen and a burst of heat.
The result
- What it makes
- Caesium hydroxide + hydrogen gas
- Equation
- 2Cs + 2H₂O → 2CsOH + H₂
- When it happens
- At room temperature
Fun fact from Fizzy: The explosion can be strong enough to shatter the container, even with a tiny piece!
🥽 Never try this! Caesium explodes on contact with water.