The difference in the reactivity of metals accounts for why some metals will react with hot water but not with cold water. For example, aluminum is less reactive than sodium and will only react with hot water but not cold water.
The reactivity of metals is the ability of a metals to lose electrons.
The reactivity of metals generally decreases from left to right across the periodic table but increases on going down a group.
Due to the differences in reactivity of metals, some metals are more reactive than others.
For example, the reactive metals sodium, potassium and calcium react with cold water to with differing degree of spontaneity to liberate hydrogen.
Some other metal like aluminum, zinc, and iron can only react with hot water or steam to liberate hydrogen.
Therefore, the reactivity of a metal will determine if it will react with cold water or hot water.
Learn more about reactivity of metals at: https://brainly.com/question/28107797
#SPJ1