Potassium is more reactive than hydrogen, which allows it to displace hydrogen from acids like many other metals. Unlike most metals it is reactive enough to pry away the more strongly-bonded hydrogen in water.
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A more reactive element can displace a less reactive element from a compound, according to the reactivity series. For example, metals like magnesium and zinc can displace hydrogen from water or acids.
Zinc does not displace hydrogen from cold water, as zinc is lower in the reactivity series than hydrogen. However, if zinc is reacted with an acid, such as hydrochloric acid, it will displace hydrogen gas.
Hydrogen is commonly used as a standard for comparing the activity of metals. The reactivity series of metals is often based on their ability to displace hydrogen from acids or water.
Acids release hydrogen ions (H+) when they dissociate in water. This is what gives acids their characteristic sour taste and ability to react with other substances.
Potassium hydrogen carbonate is soluble in water.