Why does potassium react violently with water?

Neutral potassium metal has an electron configuration described as: 1s2, 2s2, 2p6, 3s2, 3p6, 4s1 In this case, you have many filled electron shells, and one that contains a single electron. read more

I believe that "most vigorously" would mean the explosive heat that is given off, e.g. when throwing an ingot of potassium into water. Seems thermodynamic to me. I prefer Martin's answer, which speaks also about the hydroxide, and points out that solvation energy is important. read more

Recently, I was telling my friends about the violent reaction that takes place when you throw potassium into water. Soon after, a friend of mine claimed that lithium would react more violently than potassium. I disagreed with him, because potassium is more electropositive than lithium and thus more reactive. read more

Potassium metal and water produce a volitle mix that causes the potassium metal to heat up and start a fire. Also, hydrogen gas is produced from the water/potassium mix. read more