A piece of lithium is added to a beaker of water. Will the solution formed be acidic, alkaline or neutral?

## Step 1: Recognize the type of reactionThe question refers to a metallic lithium reacting with water which is a typical setup for a Metal + Water reaction. In this type of reaction, a metal reacts with water to produce metal hydroxides and hydrogen gas.## Step2: Determine the products and follow trendsThe products are (Lithium hydroxide) – an alkali also known as 'strong base', and (Hydrogen gas). Alkalis when dissolved in water increases the quantity of hydroxide (OH-) in solution, causing the solution to be basic.## Step3: Judging natureSo, from the reaction or the type of product formed, it's understood that the solution formed when lithium reacts with water will be more towards the basic side and not neutral or acidic.