Question

Which metal is preferred for preparation of hydrogen from water?

Answer 1

Hint : We know that the metals above hydrogen in the electrochemical series of the elements react with water under different conditions to liberate hydrogen and the metals form their respective oxides. It is only sparingly soluble in water and is the major component of all the organic substances.

Complete Step By Step Answer:
According to the electrochemical series of the elements, where the elements are arranged according to their ability to get reduced or oxidized, those metals which are at the top of the group are highly reactive with ice or ice-cold water to form the respective metal oxide and liberate hydrogen. So due to the high reactivity of these metals, like sodium, potassium, etc. these metals cannot be chosen for the reaction to liberate hydrogen. Again when we move down the group, the elements lose their reactivity and metals like lead react at very high temperatures with steam to form the respective metal oxides and liberate hydrogen.
So, metals in the intermediate region like magnesium that react with hot water to liberate hydrogen are the best one for the preparation of hydrogen from water. For the preparation of Hydrogen from water Reactive metals such as potassium, sodium and calcium are used.

Note :
Remember that the hydrogen is the first element in the periodic table with the atomic number one and atomic weight one. This is the lightest element in the periodic table. Hydrogen is the most available element in the universe. At standard temperature and pressure, hydrogen is colourless, odourless, neutral and tasteless.