When potassium metal is placed in water, a large amount of energy is released as potassium hydroxide and hydrogen gas are produced in the reaction 2K(s) + 2H2O(l) → 2KOH(aq) + H2(g). Your lab partner says this is a redox reaction and a combustion reaction. Do you agree? Defend your answer by explaining whether or not it meets the requirements of each type of reaction.

The reaction type is redox reaction

Explanation:

Potassium reacts with water to form potassium hydroxide and hydrogen gas.

This is a redox type of reaction;

Potassium loses electrons during the reaction and the electrons are gained by hydrogen in water.

Since potassium reacts by losing electrons,that is an oxidation reaction.The hydrogen gains the electrons and hence a reduction reaction.

All electrons lost by potassium must equal all the electrons gain by water.Therefore the reaction type is redox reaction.

The reaction cannot be combustion.Combustion reactions only occur in presence of oxygen gas.