[Vwdiesel] Salty valves

[LBaird119 at aol.com]

In a message dated 6/21/2004 6:25:38 PM Pacific Standard Time, 
dennis at pantazis.org writes:

> sodium is also VERY reactive with water, at times
> explosive because the reaction is so violent!
> 

  We were lucky enough to be allowed to watch a demonstration of 
that in HS chem class.  :)  Stuff just scoots and dances around on 
the water making all kinds of noise.  The explosive part comes from 
H2 gas being released as I recall.  The pure stuff is stored in oil to 
keep it from reacting with moisture and air.  He used to get Potasium 
occasionally and said it ALWAYS broke into flame.  :)  Probably 
don't allow Sodium demonstration in school any more.  :(
     Loren