Write out the balanced chemical equation describing the reaction that takes place when metallic beryllium is mixed with water____________?
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Answer: D. no reaction
Explanation
Metallic beryllium does not react with water, even at elevated temperatures. A protective oxide film forms rapidly on its surface, passivating the metal against attack. This passivation prevents any hydrogen gas evolution or hydroxide formation from occurring. Beryllium is the lightest alkaline earth metal, located at the top of group two. Passivation is a chemical process where a protective surface layer stops further reaction. Other heavier group two metals react with water with increasing vigor down the group.
Anomalous behavior of the first element in periodic groups is a common chemical trend. Protective oxide coatings are also utilized in engineering aluminum and stainless steel components. Recognizing such exceptions prevents incorrect predictions in inorganic chemistry problem solving. The equation showing beryllium hydroxide and hydrogen gas describes a reaction that does not happen. Unbalanced equations suggesting reactivity contradict the protective passivation property of beryllium. Complex anion formation equations do not represent standard reactions between beryllium and pure water.
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