This is further evidence that potassium is a more reactive metal than both lithium and sodium. The alkali metals can also be set alight and burn. When any substance burns in oxygen it is called a ...

The reactions of potassium, lithium, magnesium, and calcium with water can also be shown. Explosions can occur when large pieces of potassium are placed in water. The dish may be covered with a large ...

Why is that? Well, sodium is below lithium in group one and the reactivity of the alkali metals increases as you go down the group, so potassium is even more reactive. Wow, look at it.