Alkali metals can react explosively with water and it is textbook knowledge that this vigorous behaviour results from heat release, steam formation and ignition of the hydrogen gas that is produced.

The symbol equation is helpful in seeing where the water came from. The H from the acid combines with the OH from the alkali to make the water (H₂O). The other elements are used in making the ...

If you can’t turn water into gold like a good alchemist would, the next best thing might be to transform water itself into a shiny, metallic material. Researchers have achieved that feat by ...