What Happens When You Throw A Big Chunk Of Sodium In A Lake

[steve2470]

#t=0

Pure sodium is probably the closest thing we have to wildfire from "Game of Thrones." Except napalm. And maybe some other stuff.

Via TREVMANWV

[kg4jxt]

1. in chemical speak . . .

2 Na + 2 H2O => 2 NaOH + H2 + heat
2 H2 + O2 + heat => 2 H2O + more heat (and light!)

potassium is also pretty and makes purple flame - it actually goes faster than sodium. Harder to get it though

[Separation]

2. Beat me to it.

A friend of mine somehow used to be able to get his hands on potassium. We would go to a bridge that crossed a river and drop chunks of it. That was over 30 years ago, first time I've thought of that in ages.

[warrior1]

3. stupid people

never think of the wildlife and how it effects them.

[TheMightyFavog]

4. I was just gonna say...

That kind of infusion of Sodium Hydroxide can't be good for the critters in and around the body of water.

[kg4jxt]

6. well, not SO bad.

The shock wave from the exploding hydrogen bubble might kill some small fish or amphibians nearby, but the NaOH would be completely soluble in water and would not affect the pH of the pond in the long run - there would not be enough hydroxide produced (on the order of one pound, judging from the size of the lump that was thrown in). There might be a locally high pH for a while though. Fortunately fish are very sensitive to pH and will avoid abnormal pH if the can. High pH will damage fish and amphibians if they remain in contact with it. I am not saying it is harmless, but at least they videotaped it so we can enjoy the spectacle without repeatedly bombing ponds.

[azurnoir]

5. what about Lithium it catches fire when exposed to water

interesting stuff- throw a tiny bit into a bucket of water and insta flame

[hunter]

7. Nothing compared to this...

[steve2470]

8. now THAT's sodium ! nt