Discover how acids react with metals to produce salts and hydrogen. Learn about the reactivity of metals in this KS3 chemistry guide from BBC Bitesize.

Drop a chunk of sodium metal into water, and you'll see an incredibly violent reaction take place. But what's the quantum reason for it?

Sodium thiosulfate with acid Sodium thiosulfate reacts with dilute hydrochloric acid to produce sodium chloride, water, sulfur dioxide and sulfur.

In bulk, sodium is a silvery metal, a soft solid at room temperature. If it comes in contact with water, it produces sodium hydroxide and hydrogen. Potassium reacts even more vigorously.