This is why EV's blow up.
In what way and in what form does lithium react with water?
Lithium reacts intensely with water, forming lithium hydroxide and highly flammable hydrogen. The colourless solution is highly alkalic. The exothermal reactions lasts longer than the reaction of sodium and water, which is directly below lithium in the periodic chart.
2 Li(s) + 2 H2O -> 2 LiOH (aq) + H2(g)
This is why EV's blow up: Lithium reacts intensely with water, forming lithium hydroxide and highly flammable hydrogen.
I was here early in 2021, then got "spooked". I am back because I want to live. I read a lot. I observe. I listen. I have faith in us.
Idk anything about this so I have a question. Is there any potential reaction between propane tanks in the garage and EVs? It seems there have been some fires where I wondered if that could have been an issue but I do not understand enough about it.
The chemical property of Lithium, is that this element will EXPLOSIVELY react with water
Lithium + Water = Explosion + Chemical Fire.
(This is high school Chemistry, by the way)
Both the Lithium battery and propane tank are safe, unless the Lithium or propane somehow leak out.
We are seeing that there is a definite problem with EV Lithium batteries, and anyone can imagine scenarios where leakage could happen.
Maybe a specific kind of fire extinguisher should be standard in all EVs?
As for propane tanks, a good first step is to read the label to determine how to keep them safe.
I will take your word on the high school chemistry, it has been a long time since I was there and I have not looked into EVs because I find the child exploitation in the lithium mines unpalatable and way too high of an opportunity cost. We all have our preferences.
I've studied and taught and tutored chemistry and in fact, I love the subject.
Asking for your understanding - because I am such a nerd.
Anyway, your points are very well taken.
I was only answering why Lithium batteries can be dangerous.
Your points are an extremely crucial part of the picture, thanks. Extremely crucial!
Perhaps we need to make a list:
All the innocent children and adults suffering and even dying due to Lithium - the mining and use in car batteries.
I was here early in 2021, then got "spooked". I am back because I want to live. I read a lot. I observe. I listen. I have faith in us.
I did not know if you were talking down to me, so thank you for explaining the context of your remarks. I am glad you love chemistry:) I have some experience with Africa and more transparency on the reality of the mines would probably cause some to pause or at least demand the issues be addressed. What I have learned more recently about EVs concerns the waste issues which seem similar to the windmills in that this is the part nobody sees and it is not ideal.
