Question

How is potassium oxidized by water? What is the reduction product?

Answer 1

`K(s) + H_2O(l) rarr KOH(aq) + 1/2H_2(g)uarr`

Explanation:

This reaction would be rather rapid. Red litmus would turn blue, or phenolphthalein indicator would turn pink.

Answer 2

potassium reacts with cold water to form potassium hydroxide and hydrogen gas( which ignites and gives a lilac flame.

Explanation:

potassium being an alkali metal reacts vigorously and quickly with water forming metal hydroxides like other alkali metals except lithium.
when put in water it floats and moves quickly around the surface of water... it instantaneously liberates hydrogen gas. the metal and hydrogen catch fire burning with lilac flame with small explosion
.
the remaining content in the beaker (experimental apparatus) used is mostly potassium hydroxide and unused water.

K(s) + H2O(cold) = KOH + H2(g)