8.The general word equation for when a metal reacts with steam is metal + steam → ____ _____ + hydrogen

The general word equation for when a metal reacts with steam is: metal + steam → metal oxide + hydrogen.

Here's the step by step process:

1. A metal reacts with steam, which is water in its gaseous state. This is a type of redox reaction where the metal is oxidized by the steam.

2. The metal loses electrons and forms a positive ion. The steam gains these electrons and forms a negative ion.

3. The positive metal ions and the negative oxygen ions from the steam combine to form a metal oxide.

4. The remaining hydrogen ions from the steam combine to form hydrogen gas.

So, the final products of this reaction are a metal oxide and hydrogen gas.