When lithium reacts with water, which of the following is produced?

• A. Lithium oxide and oxygen gas
• B. Lithium carbonate and carbon dioxide
• C. Lithium hydroxide and hydrogen gas
• D. Lithium chloride and hydrogen gas

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the type of chemical reaction occurring when lithium reacts with water. This is a typical metal + water reaction, which usually produces a metal hydroxide and hydrogen gas.
2. Write the general form of the reaction between an alkali metal (like lithium) and water: \$2\text{M} + 2\text{H}_2\text{O} \rightarrow 2\text{MOH} + \text{H}_2$, where M is the metal.
3. Substitute lithium (Li) for M in the equation to get: \$2\text{Li} + 2\text{H}_2\text{O} \rightarrow 2\text{LiOH} + \text{H}_2$.
4. Recognize that lithium hydroxide (LiOH) is the metal hydroxide produced, and hydrogen gas (\(\text{H}_2\)) is released as a product.
5. Conclude that the correct products of the reaction are lithium hydroxide and hydrogen gas, matching the correct answer choice.