B Metals that do not react with hot water

Hot water can be a powerful reagent that can cause many metals to undergo various chemical reactions. However, there are certain metals that exhibit exceptional inertness towards hot water. One such metal is gold. Gold is widely known for its resistance to corrosion and chemical reactions, and it remains unaffected even when exposed to hot water. Let's explore the reasons behind gold's unique behavior.

b Why gold does not react with hot water

Gold's remarkable resistance to hot water can be attributed to several factors:

1. Inertness of gold: Gold is classified as a noble metal due to its low reactivity. Noble metals have a high resistance to corrosion and are generally unreactive towards most common reagents, including hot water.

2. Stability of gold oxide: Unlike many other metals, gold does not readily form an oxide layer when exposed to oxygen or water. The thin layer of gold oxide that does form on the surface is exceptionally stable and does not undergo further reaction with water, even at elevated temperatures.

3. Lack of reducing agents: Hot water alone does not possess strong reducing properties. It lacks the ability to donate electrons to gold atoms, which is a necessary condition for a chemical reaction to occur. Therefore, gold remains unaffected by hot water due to the absence of suitable reducing agents in this medium.

4. Electrochemical properties: Gold has a relatively low electrode potential, which means it is less prone to oxidation compared to other metals. This property contributes to its stability and resistance to corrosion, even when exposed to hot water.

b Applications of gold's inertness to hot water

Gold's resistance to hot water has found several practical applications:

1. Jewelry: Gold is extensively used in jewelry making due to its beauty and resistance to tarnishing. The ability to withstand hot water ensures that gold jewelry remains untarnished even during daily wear and occasional exposure to water.

2. Dentistry: Gold alloys are commonly used in dentistry for dental crowns, bridges, and fillings. The inertness of gold towards hot water ensures the longevity and stability of these dental restorations.

3. Electronic components: Gold's corrosion resistance makes it ideal for use in electronic connectors and contacts. These components often undergo hot water cleaning processes during manufacturing, and gold's inertness ensures their integrity is maintained.

In conclusion, gold's unique properties, including its inertness towards hot water, make it a highly valuable metal. Its resistance to corrosion, stability of oxide layer, lack of reducing agents, and electrochemical properties all contribute to its exceptional behavior when exposed to hot water. These characteristics have led to its widespread use in various industries, including jewelry making, dentistry, and electronics.

Name a metal which does not react even with hot water