g The alkali metals are able to displace hydrogen readily from water. The alkaline earth metals are able to do so as well, although not nearly as vigorously. They are easily able to displace hydrogen from acid. a: Write and balance the equation for any of the alkali metals (pick your favorite!) reacting with water to form hydrogen gas and the metal's hydroxide (e. g. sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide). (10 points) b: Write and balance the equation for any of the alkaline earth metals (the second column on the left) reacting with hydrochloric acid to form hydrogen gas and the metal's chloride salt (e. g. magnesium chloride, calcium chloride) (10 points)