Chapter 10 The s-Block Elements

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

1. The alkali metals are low melting. Which of the following alkali metal is expected to melt if the room temperature rises to 30C ?

(a) Na

(b) K

(c) Rb

(d) Cs

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Answer

(d) The energy binding the atoms in the crystal lattice of the alkali metals is low due to their large atomic radii and especially due to the presence of one valence electron per metal atom as compared to large number available vacant orbitals.

Hence, alkali metals have low melting and boiling points. The melting point of alkali metals decreases from Li to Cs as cohesive force decreases with increase in atomic size.

Melting point of Cs=302 K i.e., 29C.

  • (a) Na: Sodium (Na) has a melting point of approximately 98°C, which is significantly higher than 30°C. Therefore, it will not melt at room temperature.

  • (b) K: Potassium (K) has a melting point of approximately 63°C, which is also higher than 30°C. Hence, it will not melt at room temperature.

  • (c) Rb: Rubidium (Rb) has a melting point of approximately 39°C, which is slightly higher than 30°C. Thus, it will not melt at room temperature.

2. Alkali metals react with water vigorously to form hydroxides and dihydrogen. Which of the following alkali metals reacts with water least vigorously?

(a) Li

(b) Na

(c) K

(d) Cs

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Answer

(a) Li has most negative standard reduction potential due to very high enthalpy of hydration. Thus, reaction of Li with water will be most exothermic, but surprisingly Li reacts with water gently, whereas Na and K vigorously.

The explanation is in kinetics and not in thermodynamics of the reaction. No doubt, maximum energy is evolved with Li but its fusion, vaporisation and ionisation consume more energy. As a result reaction proceeds slowly.

Na or K have low melting points and molten metal spreads over water exposing a larger surface to water, making the reaction vigorous.

  • (b) Na: Sodium reacts more vigorously with water than lithium because it has a lower melting point and the molten metal spreads over the water, exposing a larger surface area to the water, which accelerates the reaction.

  • (c) K: Potassium reacts even more vigorously with water than sodium due to its even lower melting point and higher reactivity, which causes the molten metal to spread quickly over the water, increasing the reaction rate.

  • (d) Cs: Cesium reacts the most vigorously with water among the alkali metals listed. It has the lowest melting point and highest reactivity, leading to an extremely rapid and exothermic reaction with water.

3. The reducing power of a metal depends on various factors. Suggest the factor which makes Li, the strongest reducing agent in aqueous solution.

(a) Sublimation enthalpy

(b) lonisation enthalpy

(c) Hydration enthalpy

(d) Electron-gain enthalpy

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Answer

(c) Standard reduction potential (ERP) is a measure of tendency of an element to lose electron in aqueous solution. Higher the negative ERP greater is the ability to lose electrons.

ERP depends on

(i) enthalpy of sublimation

(ii) ionisation enthalpy

(iii) enthalpy of hydration

Thus, in aqueous medium, order of reactivity of alkali metals is Na<K<Rb<Cs<Li.

ERP value of Li is least (3.04 V) among all alkali metals.

The formation of Li+(aq) from Li involves following steps

(i) Li(s) Sublimation Li(g)ΔHs= Enthalpy of sublimation

(ii) Li(g)Li+(s)IE1= lonisation enthalpy

(iii) Li+(g)Li+(aq)ΔHn= Enthalpy of hydration

For alkali metals, enthalpies of sublimation are almost same. IE1 value of Li is endothermic and highest and hydration is exothermic and maximum for Li+.

The highly exothermic step (iii) for smallest Li+makes it strongest reducing agent.

  • (a) Sublimation enthalpy: The enthalpy of sublimation for alkali metals is almost the same and does not significantly differentiate the reducing power of lithium from other alkali metals.

  • (b) Ionisation enthalpy: Although the ionisation enthalpy of lithium is the highest among alkali metals, it is an endothermic process and does not contribute to making lithium the strongest reducing agent in aqueous solution.

  • (d) Electron-gain enthalpy: Electron-gain enthalpy is not a relevant factor for the reducing power of alkali metals in aqueous solution, as it pertains to the energy change when an atom gains an electron, which is not the primary process involved in the reduction potential of lithium.

4. Metal carbonates decompose on heating to give metal oxide and carbon dioxide. Which of the metal carbonates is most stable thermally?

(a) MgCO3

(b) CaCO3

(c) SrCO3

(d) BaCO3

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Thinking Process

All the alkaline earth metals form carbonates having general formula MCO3. These carbonates decompose on heating to form metal oxide and carbon dioxide.

MCO31MO+CO2[M=Be,Mg,Ca,Sr,Ba]

Thermal stability of carbonates increases with increase in atomic number, i.e., on moving down the group

BeCO3<MgCO3<CaCO3<SrCO3<BaCO3.

Answer

(d) BaCO3 is thermally most stable because of the small size of resulting oxide ion. With the increase in atomic number, the size of the metal ion, the stability of the metal ion decreases and, hence that of carbonate increases (maximum in case of BaCO3 ).

Therefore, the increasing size of cation destabilizes the oxides and hence does not favour the decomposition of heavier alkaline earth metal carbonates like BaCO3.

  • (a) MgCO3: Magnesium carbonate MgCO3 is less thermally stable compared to barium carbonate BaCO3 because magnesium has a smaller ionic radius. The smaller size of the magnesium ion leads to a higher charge density, which destabilizes the carbonate ion, making it easier to decompose upon heating.

  • (b) CaCO3: Calcium carbonate CaCO3 is also less thermally stable than barium carbonate BaCO3. Although calcium has a larger ionic radius than magnesium, it is still smaller than barium. This results in a higher charge density compared to barium, which destabilizes the carbonate ion and makes it more prone to decomposition.

  • (c) SrCO3: Strontium carbonate SrCO3 is less thermally stable than barium carbonate BaCO3 because strontium has a smaller ionic radius than barium. The smaller size of the strontium ion leads to a higher charge density, which destabilizes the carbonate ion, making it easier to decompose upon heating.

5. Which of the carbonates given below is unstable in air and is kept in CO2 atmosphere to avoid decomposition?

(a) BeCO3

(b) MgCO3

(c) CaCO3

(d) BaCO3

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Answer

(a) BeCO3 is unstable to the extent that it is stable only in atmosphere of CO2. BeCO3 shows reversible reaction because stability of oxide formed is more than carbonates.

BeCO3BeO+CO2

BeCO3 is unstable due to strong polarising effect of small Be2+ ion on the large polarisable carbonation. Moreover, an extrastability of the oxide achieved through lattice energy by packing small cation with small oxide ion.

  • (b) MgCO3: Magnesium carbonate (MgCO3) is relatively stable in air and does not decompose easily. It does not require a CO2 atmosphere to remain stable.

  • (c) CaCO3: Calcium carbonate (CaCO3) is also stable in air and does not decompose under normal conditions. It is commonly found in nature as limestone and does not need a CO2 atmosphere for stability.

  • (d) BaCO3: Barium carbonate (BaCO3) is stable in air and does not decompose easily. It does not require a CO2 atmosphere to avoid decomposition.

6. Metals form basic hydroxides. Which of the following metal hydroxide is the least basic?

(a) Mg(OH)2

(b) Ca(OH)2

(c) Sr(OH)2

(d) Ba(OH)2

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Answer

(a) All the alkaline earth metals form hydroxides. Solubility of hydroxides of alkaline earth metals increases from Be to Ba. Be(OH)2 and Mg(OH)2 are almost insoluble.

The basic nature of hydroxides of alkaline earth metal depends on the solubility of hydroxide in water. More the solubility more the basicity. Solubility of hydroxides depends on lattice energy and hydration energy.

ΔHsolution =ΔHlattice energy +ΔHhydration energy 

The magnitude of hydration energy remains almost same whereas lattice energy decreases down the group leading to more negative values for ΔHsolution  down the group.

More negative ΔHsolution  more is solubility of compounds.

Hence, Be(OH)2andMg(OH)2have less negative values for 

ΔHsolution hence, least basic.

  • (b) Ca(OH)2: Calcium hydroxide is more soluble in water compared to magnesium hydroxide, leading to a higher basicity. Therefore, it is not the least basic among the given options.

  • (c) Sr(OH)2: Strontium hydroxide is even more soluble in water than calcium hydroxide, resulting in a higher basicity. Thus, it is not the least basic among the given options.

  • (d) Ba(OH)2: Barium hydroxide is the most soluble in water among the given hydroxides, making it the most basic. Therefore, it is not the least basic among the given options.

7. Some of the Group 2 metal halides are covalent and soluble in organic solvents. Among the following metal halides, the one which is soluble in ethanol is

(a) BeCl2

(b) MgCl2

(c) CaCl2

(d) SrCl2

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Answer

(a) Ethanol is an organic compound i.e., of covalent character “Like dissolves like”. To dissolve in ethanol the compound should have more covalent character.

Beryllium halides have covalent character due to small size and high effective nuclear charge. Hence, BeCl2 is most covalent among all other chlorides.

  • (b) MgCl2: Magnesium chloride is more ionic in nature compared to beryllium chloride due to the larger size and lower effective nuclear charge of the magnesium ion. This ionic character makes it less soluble in organic solvents like ethanol.

  • (c) CaCl2: Calcium chloride is even more ionic than magnesium chloride because calcium has a larger ionic radius and lower effective nuclear charge. This increased ionic character further reduces its solubility in ethanol.

  • (d) SrCl2: Strontium chloride is the most ionic among the given options due to the largest ionic radius and the lowest effective nuclear charge. This high ionic character makes it the least soluble in ethanol among the listed metal halides.

8. The order of decreasing ionisation enthalpy in alkali metals is

(a) Na>Li>K>Rb

(b) Rb<Na<K<Li

(c) Li>Na>K>Rb

(d) K<Li<Na<Rb

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Thinking Process

Ionisation energies depend upon how strongly the valence electron is held by the nucleus. lonisation energy value will be high if electron is tightly held and if interaction between electron and nucleus is poor then ionisation energy will be low.

Answer

(c) On moving down in the group (from Li to Cs ), the ionisation energy value decreases from Li to Cs, size of the atom increases and so valence electron is less tightly held. Increased screening effect from Li to Cs also makes the removal of electron easier.

  • Option (a) is incorrect because it suggests that sodium (Na) has a higher ionization enthalpy than lithium (Li), which is not true. Lithium, being smaller in size, has a higher ionization enthalpy than sodium.

  • Option (b) is incorrect because it suggests that rubidium (Rb) has a higher ionization enthalpy than sodium (Na) and potassium (K), which is not true. Rubidium, being larger in size, has a lower ionization enthalpy than both sodium and potassium.

  • Option (d) is incorrect because it suggests that potassium (K) has a higher ionization enthalpy than lithium (Li) and sodium (Na), which is not true. Potassium, being larger in size, has a lower ionization enthalpy than both lithium and sodium.

9. The solubility of metal halides depends on their nature, lattice enthalpy and hydration enthalpy of the individual ions. Amongst fluorides of alkali metals, the lowest solubility of LiF in water is due to

(a) ionic nature of lithium fluoride

(b) high lattice enthalpy

(c) high hydration enthalpy for lithium ion

(d) low ionisation enthalpy of lithium atom

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Answer

(b) Solubilities of alkali metal halides in water can be explained in terms of lattice enthalpy and hydration enthalpy. Lower lattice enthalpies and higher hydration enthalpies favour dissolution.

Among fluorides, the order of solubility is LiF<NaF<KF<RbF<CsF. Low solubility of LiF is due to very high lattice energy. On moving down in the group LiF to CsF, solubility increases because lattice energy decreases.

Except LiF, other halides of lithium are highly soluble in water.

  • (a) The ionic nature of lithium fluoride does not explain its low solubility. Ionic compounds generally tend to be soluble in water due to the interaction between the ions and water molecules. The low solubility of LiF is specifically due to its high lattice enthalpy, not its ionic nature.

  • (c) High hydration enthalpy for lithium ion would actually favor solubility, as higher hydration enthalpy means that the ion interacts strongly with water molecules, promoting dissolution. Therefore, this is not the reason for the low solubility of LiF.

  • (d) Low ionisation enthalpy of lithium atom is not relevant to the solubility of LiF in water. Ionisation enthalpy refers to the energy required to remove an electron from an atom in the gas phase, which does not directly affect the solubility of the resulting ionic compound in water.

10. Amphoteric hydroxides react with both alkalies and acids. Which of the following Group 2 metal hydroxides is soluble in sodium hydroxide?

(a) Be(OH)2

(b) Mg(OH)2

(c) Ca(OH)2

(d) Ba(OH)2

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Answer

(a) The solubility of hydroxides of alkaline earth metals increases from Be to Ba, in water.

Be(OH)2 and Mg(OH)2 are almost insoluble.

Due to high hydration enthalpy and high lattice energy Be(OH)2 is not soluble in water. Be(OH)2 is an amphoteric hydroxide. With acids, Be(OH)2 is neutralised giving salts.

Be(OH)2+2HClBeCl2+2H2O

Be(OH)2 reacts with NaOH also forming beryllate.

Be(OH)2+2NaOHNa2BeO2+2H2O

  • (b) Mg(OH)2: Magnesium hydroxide is not amphoteric; it is only slightly soluble in water and does not react with sodium hydroxide to form a soluble complex.

  • (c) Ca(OH)2: Calcium hydroxide is not amphoteric; it is slightly soluble in water and does not react with sodium hydroxide to form a soluble complex.

  • (d) Ba(OH)2: Barium hydroxide is not amphoteric; it is highly soluble in water but does not react with sodium hydroxide to form a soluble complex.

11. In the synthesis of sodium carbonate, the recovery of ammonia is done by treating NH4Cl with Ca(OH)2. The by-product obtained in this process is

(a) CaCl2

(b) NaCl

(c) NaOH

(d) NaHCO3

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Answer

(a) Sodium carbonate is synthesised by Solvay ammonia soda process.

The reactions involved are

NH3+H2O+CO2NH4HCO3 Ammonium bicarbonate NaCl+NH4HCO3NaHCO3+NH4Cl Sodium bicarbonate 2NaHCO3ΔNa2CO3+H2O+CO2

NH3 is recovered from NH4HCO3 and NH4Cl formed during the reaction.

NH4HCO3 Heat NH3+H2O+CO2

2NH4Cl Ammonium chloride +Ca(OH)22NH3 Ammonia +CaCl2 Calcium chloride +2H2O

  • (b) NaCl: Sodium chloride (NaCl) is not a by-product of the reaction between ammonium chloride (NH₄Cl) and calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)₂). Instead, NaCl is a reactant in the Solvay process, where it reacts with ammonium bicarbonate (NH₄HCO₃) to form sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO₃) and ammonium chloride (NH₄Cl).

  • (c) NaOH: Sodium hydroxide (NaOH) is not produced in the reaction between ammonium chloride (NH₄Cl) and calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)₂). The reaction specifically produces ammonia (NH₃), calcium chloride (CaCl₂), and water (H₂O).

  • (d) NaHCO₃: Sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO₃) is not a by-product of the reaction between ammonium chloride (NH₄Cl) and calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)₂). NaHCO₃ is actually an intermediate product in the Solvay process, formed from the reaction of NaCl and NH₄HCO₃.

12. When sodium is dissolved in liquid ammonia, a solution of deep blue colour is obtained. The colour of the solution is due to

(a) ammoniated electron

(b) sodium ion

(c) sodium amide

(d) ammoniated sodium ion

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Answer

(a) All alkali metal dissolve in liquid NH3 giving highly conducting deep blue solution.

Na+(x+y)NH3[Na(NH3)x]+ Ammoniated cation +e(NH3)y Ammoniated electron 

When light fall on these solutions, the ammoniated electrons excite in higher energy level by absorbing red wavelengths and so transmitted light is blue.

  • (b) Sodium ion is incorrect because the sodium ion itself does not contribute to the deep blue color of the solution. The color is specifically due to the presence of ammoniated electrons.

  • (c) Sodium amide is incorrect because sodium amide is a different compound formed when sodium reacts with ammonia, but it does not cause the deep blue color. The deep blue color is due to the ammoniated electrons.

  • (d) Ammoniated sodium ion is incorrect because the ammoniated sodium ion does not cause the deep blue color. The color is due to the ammoniated electrons, which absorb red wavelengths and transmit blue light.

13. By adding gypsum to cement

(a) setting time of cement becomes less

(b) setting time of cement increases

(c) colour of cement becomes light

(d) shining surface is obtained

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Answer

(b) Raw materials for cement-limestone, clay, gypsum. Cement is a dirty greyish heavy powder containing calcium aluminates and silicates.

Gypsum (CaSO45H2O) is added to the components to increase the setting time of cement so that it gets sufficiently hardened. Setting of cement is an exothermic process and involves hydration of calcium aluminates and silicates.

  • (a) Setting time of cement becomes less: This is incorrect because gypsum is added to cement specifically to increase the setting time, not to decrease it. Without gypsum, the cement would set too quickly, making it difficult to work with.

  • (c) Colour of cement becomes light: This is incorrect because the addition of gypsum does not significantly affect the color of the cement. The color of cement is primarily determined by the raw materials used, such as limestone and clay, and the manufacturing process.

  • (d) Shining surface is obtained: This is incorrect because gypsum does not contribute to the surface finish of the cement. The surface finish of cement is influenced by factors such as the type of cement, the method of application, and the finishing techniques used, rather than the addition of gypsum.

14. Dead burnt plaster is

(a) CaSO4

(b) CaSO412H2O

(c) CaSO4H2O

(d) CaSO42H2O

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Answer

(a) Plaster of Paris is prepared by heating gypsum at 120C.

2CaSO42H2O Gypsum (CaSO4)212H2O+3H2O Plaster of Paris 

On heating plaster of Paris at 200C, if forms anhydrous calcium sulphate i.e., dead plaster which has no setting property as it absorbs water very slowly.

CaSO42H2O200CCaSO4Anhydride1100CCaO+SO3

  • (b) CaSO412H2O: This is Plaster of Paris, not dead burnt plaster. Plaster of Paris is formed by heating gypsum to about 120C, not 200C.

  • (c) CaSO4H2O: This is not a common form of calcium sulfate used in plaster. The common forms are gypsum (CaSO42H2O) and Plaster of Paris (CaSO412H2O).

  • (d) CaSO42H2O: This is gypsum, the raw material used to produce Plaster of Paris. It is not dead burnt plaster, which is anhydrous calcium sulfate (CaSO4).

15. Suspension of slaked lime in water is known as

(a) lime water

(b) quick lime

(c) milk of lime

(d) aqueous solution of slaked lime

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Answer

(c) Calcium hydroxide is prepared by adding water to quicklime (CaO).

CaO(s)Quick lime+H2O(l)Ca(OH)2(s) Slaked lime 

It is a white amorphous powder. It is sparingly soluble in water.

So, it forms a suspension of slaked lime in water which is called milk of lime and the clear solution obtained after the suspension settles is known as lime water.

  • (a) lime water: Lime water is the clear solution obtained after the suspension of slaked lime in water settles. It is not the suspension itself, but rather the clear liquid that remains after the solid particles have settled out.

  • (b) quick lime: Quick lime is calcium oxide (CaO), which is a different compound from slaked lime (calcium hydroxide, Ca(OH)₂). Quick lime reacts with water to form slaked lime, but it is not the suspension of slaked lime in water.

  • (d) aqueous solution of slaked lime: An aqueous solution of slaked lime refers to the dissolved portion of calcium hydroxide in water, which is lime water. It is not the suspension of slaked lime in water, which is called milk of lime.

16. Which of the following elements does not form hydride by direct heating with dihydrogen?

(a) Be

(b) Mg

(c) Sr

(d) Ba

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Answer

(a) Except Be, all alkaline earth metals form hydrides (MH2) on directly heating with H2. BeH2 can’t be prepared by direct action of H2 on Be. It is prepared by the action of LiAlH4 on BeCl2.

2BeCl2+LiAlH42BeH2+LiCl+AlCl3

  • (b) Mg: Magnesium (Mg) forms magnesium hydride (MgH₂) by direct heating with dihydrogen (H₂).

  • (c) Sr: Strontium (Sr) forms strontium hydride (SrH₂) by direct heating with dihydrogen (H₂).

  • (d) Ba: Barium (Ba) forms barium hydride (BaH₂) by direct heating with dihydrogen (H₂).

17. The formula of soda ash is

(a) Na2CO310H2O

(c) Na2CO3H2O

(b) Na2CO32H2O

(d) Na2CO3

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Answer

(d) On heating washing soda, it loses its water of crystallisation. Above 373 K, it becomes completely anhydrous white powder called soda ash.

Na2CO310H2O>373 KNa2CO310H2O Washing soda  Soda ash 

  • (a) Na2CO310H2O: This is the formula for washing soda, not soda ash. Washing soda is the decahydrate form of sodium carbonate, whereas soda ash is the anhydrous form.

  • (b) Na2CO32H2O: This is the formula for sodium carbonate dihydrate, which is not commonly referred to as soda ash. Soda ash is the anhydrous form of sodium carbonate.

  • (c) Na2CO3H2O: This is the formula for sodium carbonate monohydrate, which is also not commonly referred to as soda ash. Soda ash is the anhydrous form of sodium carbonate.

18. A substance which gives brick red flame and breaks down on heating to give oxygen and a brown gas is

(a) magnesium nitrate

(b) calcium nitrate

(c) barium nitrate

(d) strontium nitrate

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Answer

(b) Calcium gives brick red coloured flame. Hence, calcium nitrate on heating decomposes into calcium oxide, with evolution of a mixture of NO2 and O2.

2Ca(NO3)22CaO+NO2+O2

NO2 is brown coloured gas.

  • Magnesium nitrate: Magnesium does not give a brick red flame; it typically gives a bright white flame. Additionally, upon heating, magnesium nitrate decomposes to form magnesium oxide, nitrogen dioxide, and oxygen, but the flame color does not match the description.

  • Barium nitrate: Barium gives a green flame, not a brick red flame. When barium nitrate is heated, it decomposes to form barium oxide, nitrogen dioxide, and oxygen, but the flame color is incorrect.

  • Strontium nitrate: Strontium gives a crimson red flame, not a brick red flame. Upon heating, strontium nitrate decomposes to form strontium oxide, nitrogen dioxide, and oxygen, but the flame color does not match the description.

19. Which of the following statements is true about Ca(OH)2 ?

(a) It is used in the preparation of bleaching powder

(b) It is a light blue solid

(c) It does not possess disinfectant property

(d) It is used in the manufacture of cement

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Answer

(a) Calcium hydroxide is used in the manufacture of bleaching powder.

2Ca(OH)2 Slaked  lime +2Cl2 Cold CaCl2+CaOCl2 Bleaching  powder +2H2O

  • (b) Calcium hydroxide is not a light blue solid; it is a white solid.
  • (c) Calcium hydroxide does possess disinfectant properties.
  • (d) While calcium hydroxide is used in the construction industry, it is not a primary ingredient in the manufacture of cement. Cement primarily consists of calcium silicates and aluminates.

20. A chemical A is used for the preparation of washing soda to recover ammonia. When CO2 is bubbled through an aqueous solution of A, the solution turns milky. It is used in white washing due to disinfectant nature. What is the chemical formula of A ?

(a) Ca(HCO3)2

(b) CaO

(c) Ca(OH)2

(d) CaCO3

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Answer

(c) To recover NH3 in Solvay ammonia soda process Ca(OH)2 is used.

2NH4Cl+Ca(OH)22NH3+CaCl2+2H2O

On passing CO2 through Ca(OH)2, it turns milky due to the formation of CaCO3.

Ca(OH)2+CO2CaCO3+H2O

Ca(OH)2 is used for white washing.

  • (a) Ca(HCO3)2: This compound is calcium bicarbonate, which is not used in the Solvay process for recovering ammonia. Additionally, it does not turn milky when CO2 is bubbled through its solution.

  • (b) CaO: Calcium oxide, also known as quicklime, does not directly react with CO2 to form a milky solution. It first needs to react with water to form Ca(OH)2, which then reacts with CO2 to form the milky suspension of CaCO3.

  • (d) CaCO3: Calcium carbonate is the product formed when CO2 is bubbled through a solution of Ca(OH)2. It is not used in the Solvay process to recover ammonia and does not turn milky upon further reaction with CO2.

21. Dehydration of hydrates of halides of calcium, barium and strontium i.e., CaCl26H2O,BaCl22H2O,SrCl22H2O, can be achieved by heating.

These become wet on keeping in air. Which of the following statements is correct about these halides?

(a) Act as dehydrating agent

(b) Can absorb moisture from air

(c) Tendency to form hydrate decreases from calcium to barium

(d) All of the above

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Answer

(d) Chlorides of alkaline earth metals are hydrated salts. Due to their hygroscopic nature, they can be used as a dehydrating agent, to absorb moisture from air.

Extent of hydration decreases from Mg to Ba i.e., MgCl26H2O,CaCl26H2O, BaCl22H2O,SrCl22H2O

  • (a) Act as dehydrating agent: This statement is not incorrect. The given halides can act as dehydrating agents due to their hygroscopic nature.

  • (b) Can absorb moisture from air: This statement is not incorrect. The given halides can absorb moisture from the air due to their hygroscopic nature.

  • (c) Tendency to form hydrate decreases from calcium to barium: This statement is incorrect. The correct order of decreasing tendency to form hydrates is from magnesium to barium, not from calcium to barium. The correct sequence is MgCl26H2O, CaCl26H2O, SrCl22H2O, BaCl22H2O.

Multiple Choice Questions (More Than One Options)

22. Metallic elements are described by their standard electrode potential, fusion enthalpy, atomic size, etc. The alkali metals are characterised by which of the following properties?

(a) High boiling point

(b) High negative standard electrode potential

(c) High density

(d) Large atomic size

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Answer

(b,d)

Alkali metals are the first members in a period. Alkali metals have largest atomic radii in their period due to least effective nuclear charge.

They have low density because size is large and mass is least in a period. Alkali metals are soft metals to cut with a knife i.e., low boiling point.

Due to ns1 electronic configuration, they lose electron easily and have high negative standard electrode potential.

  • (a) High boiling point: Alkali metals have low boiling points because they are soft metals with weak metallic bonding, making it easier for them to transition to the gaseous state.

  • (c) High density: Alkali metals have low density because they have large atomic sizes and relatively low atomic masses compared to other metals in the same period.

23. Several sodium compounds find use in industries. Which of the following compounds are used for textile industry?

(a) Na2CO3

(b) NaHCO3

(c) NaOH

(d) NaCl

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Answer

(a,c)

NaOH is used in manufacture of rayon.

Na2CO3 is used in manufacture of soap powders, in laundry for washing.

  • NaHCO3 (Sodium bicarbonate) is not typically used in the textile industry; it is more commonly used in baking, as a leavening agent, and in fire extinguishers.
  • NaCl (Sodium chloride) is not primarily used in the textile industry; it is more commonly used as a seasoning in food, in water softening, and in de-icing roads.

24. Which of the following compounds are readily soluble in water?

(a) BeSO4

(b) MgSO4

(c) BaSO4

(d) SrSO4

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Answer

(a,b)

Solubility of sulphates of alkaline earth metals in water decreases from Be to BaBeSO4 are fairly soluble while BaSO4 is almost completely insoluble.

The decreasing solubility of BeSO4 to BaSO4 can be explained on the basis of decreasing hydration energy from Be2+ to Ba2+ (as size increases). For BeSO4 and MgSO4, hydration energy is more than lattice energy and so they are readily soluble.

  • (c) BaSO4: This compound is almost completely insoluble in water. The solubility of sulphates of alkaline earth metals decreases from Be to Ba, and for BaSO4, the lattice energy is much higher than the hydration energy, making it insoluble.

  • (d) SrSO4: This compound is also not readily soluble in water. Similar to BaSO4, the solubility decreases down the group, and for SrSO4, the lattice energy is higher than the hydration energy, resulting in low solubility.

25. When zeolite, which is hydrated sodium aluminium silicate is treated with hard water, the sodium ions are exchanged with which of the following ion(s)?

(a) H+ions

(b) Mg2+ ions

(c) Ca2+ ions

(d) SO42 ions

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Answer

(b,c)

To make hard water soft, zeolite method is used. Sodium zeolite or sodium alumino silicate (Na2Al2SiO3xH2O) is used. It has a unique property of exchanging cations such as Ca2+ and Mg2+ in hard water for sodium ion.

  • (a) H+ ions: Zeolite does not exchange sodium ions with hydrogen ions (H+) because the primary purpose of zeolite in water softening is to remove hardness caused by divalent cations like Ca2+ and Mg2+. Hydrogen ions do not contribute to water hardness.

  • (d) SO42 ions: Zeolite does not exchange sodium ions with sulfate ions (SO42) because sulfate ions are anions, whereas zeolite is designed to exchange cations. The process specifically targets the removal of cations like Ca2+ and Mg2+ that cause water hardness.

26. Identify the correct formula of halides of alkaline earth metals from the following.

(a) BaCl22H2O

(b) BaCl24H2O

(c) CaCl26H2O

(d) SrCl24H2O

Show Answer

Answer

(a,c)

All the chlorides of alkaline earth metals are hydrated to different extent and extent of hydration decreases from Mg to Ba e.g., MgCl26H2O,CaCl26H2O,BaCl22H2O,SrCl22H2O.

  • Option (b) BaCl24H2O: This option is incorrect because barium chloride typically forms a dihydrate (BaCl22H2O) rather than a tetrahydrate. The extent of hydration decreases from magnesium to barium, and barium chloride does not commonly form a tetrahydrate.

  • Option (d) SrCl24H2O: This option is incorrect because strontium chloride typically forms a dihydrate (SrCl22H2O) rather than a tetrahydrate. Similar to barium chloride, the extent of hydration for strontium chloride is less than four water molecules.

27. Choose the correct statements from the following.

(a) Beryllium is not readily attacked by acids because of the presence of an oxide film on the surface of the metal

(b) Beryllium sulphate is readily soluble in water as the greater hydration enthalpy of Be2+ overcomes the lattice enthalpy factor

(c) Beryllium exhibits coordination number more than four

(d) Beryllium oxide is purely acidic in nature

Show Answer

Answer

(a,b)

Due to diagonal relationship, beryllium is similar to aluminium. It also forms an oxide film which is very stable on the surface of the metal.

Beryllium sulphate is soluble in water due to high hydration energy. Beryllium does not exhibit coordination number more than four. Like Al2O3, BeO is amphoteric in nature.

Note: The anomalous behaviour of Be is mainly due to its very small size and partly due to its high electronegativity. These two factors increase the polarising power of Be2+ ions to such extent that it becomes significantly equal to the polarising power of Al3+ ions. Therefore, these two elements, Be and Al resemble (diagonal relationship) very much.

 Polarising power = lonic chgarge ( lonic radii )2

  • (c) Beryllium exhibits coordination number more than four: This statement is incorrect because beryllium typically does not exhibit a coordination number greater than four. Due to its small size and the resulting high charge density, beryllium can only accommodate four ligands around it, leading to a maximum coordination number of four.

  • (d) Beryllium oxide is purely acidic in nature: This statement is incorrect because beryllium oxide (BeO) is not purely acidic; it is amphoteric in nature. This means that BeO can react with both acids and bases, similar to aluminum oxide (Al₂O₃).

28. Which of the following are the correct reasons for anomalous behaviour of lithium?

(a) Exceptionally small size of its atom

(b) Its high polarising power

(c) It has high degree of hydration

(d) Exceptionally low ionisation enthalpy

Show Answer

Answer

(a,b)

Although Li exhibits, the characteristic properties of alkali metals but it dffers at same time in many of its properties from alkali metals.

The anomalous behaviour of lithium is due to extremely small size of lithium and its cation. On account of small size and high nuclear charge, lithium exerts the greatest polarising effect out of all alkali metals on negative ions.

  • (c) It has high degree of hydration: While lithium does have a high degree of hydration due to its small size and high charge density, this is not a primary reason for its anomalous behavior compared to other alkali metals. The high degree of hydration is a consequence of its small size and high polarizing power, rather than a direct cause of its anomalous properties.

  • (d) Exceptionally low ionisation enthalpy: Lithium does not have an exceptionally low ionization enthalpy. In fact, it has a higher ionization enthalpy compared to other alkali metals due to its small atomic size and high effective nuclear charge. This higher ionization enthalpy is not a reason for its anomalous behavior.

Short Answer Type Questions

29. How do you account for the strong reducing power of lithium in aqueous solution?

Show Answer

Answer

Strong reducing power of lithium in aqueous solution can be understood in terms of electrode potential. Electrode potential is a measure of the tendency of an element to lose electrons in the aqueous solution. It mainly depends upon the following three factors i.e.,

(i) Li(s) Enthalpy  Sublimation Li(g)

(ii) Li(g) Enthalpy  lonisation Li+(g)+e

(iii) Li+(g)+aqLi+(aq)+ enthalpy of hydration

With the small size of its ion, lithium has the highest hydration enthalpy. However, ionisation enthalpy of Li is highest among alkali metals but hydration enthalpy predominates over ionisation enthalpy.

Therefore, lithium is the strongest reducing agent in aqueous solution mainly because of its high enthalpy of hydration.

30. When heated in air, the alkali metals form various oxides. Mention the oxides formed by Li,Na and K.

Show Answer

Answer

The reactivity of alkali metals towards oxygen increases on moving down the group with the increase in atomic size. Thus, Li forms only lithium oxide (Li2O), sodium forms mainly sodium peroxide Na2O2 along with a small amount of sodium oxide while potassium forms only potassium superoxide (KO2).

4Li+O2Δ2Li2O

6Na+2O2ΔNa2O2 Sodium peroxide  (major) +2Na2O Monoxide  (minor) K+O2ΔKO2 Potassium  super oxides +K2O2 Peroxide +K2(O) Monoxide 

The superoxide, O2ion is stable only in presence of large cations such as K,Rb etc.

31. Complete the following reactions

(i) O22+H2O

(ii) O2+H2O

Show Answer

Answer

O22 represents a peroxide ion

O2represents a superoxide ion

(i) Peroxide ion react with water to form H2O2

O22+2H2O2OH+H2O2

(ii) Superoxide ion react with water to form H2O2 and O2

2O2+2H2O2OH+H2O2 Hydrogen  peroxide +O2

32. Lithium resembles magnesium in some of its properties. Mention two such properties and give reasons for this resemblance.

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Answer

Lithium resembles with magnesium as its charge size ratio is closer to Mg. Its resemblance with Mg is known as diagonal relationship.

Generally, the periodic properties show either increasing or decreasing trend along the group and vice-versa along the period which brought the diagonally situated elements to closer value.

Following characteristics can be noted

(i) Due to covalent nature, chlorides of Li and Mg are deliquescent and soluble in alcohol and pyridine.

(ii) Carbonates of Li and Mg decompose on heating and liberate CO2

Li2CO3Li2O+CO2MgCO3MgO+CO2

33. Name an element from group 2 which forms an amphoteric oxide and a water soluble sulphate.

Show Answer

Answer

An element from group 2 which forms an amphoteric oxide and a water soluble sulphate is beryllium.

Beryllium forms oxides of formula BeO. All other alkaline earth metal oxides are basic in nature. BeO is amphoteric in nature i.e., it reacts with acids and bases both.

Al2O3+2NaOH2NaAlO2+H2OAl2O3+6HCl2AlCl3+3H2O

Sulphate of beryllium is a white solid which crystallises as hydrated salts (BeSO44H2O).

BeSO4 is fairly soluble in water due to highest hydration energy in the group (small size). For BeSO4, hydration energy is more than lattice energy and so, they are readily soluble.

34. Discuss the trend of the following

(i) Thermal stability of carbonates of Group 2 elements.

(ii) The solubility and the nature of oxides of Group 2 elements.

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Answer

(i) All the alkaline earth melals form carbonates (MCO3). All these carbonates decompose on heating to give CO2 and metal oxide. The thermal stability of these carbonates increases down the group i.e., from Be to Ba.

BeCO3<MgCO3<CaCO3<SCO3<BaCO3

BeCO3 is unstable to the extent that it is stable only in atmosphere of CO2. These carbonates however show reversible decomposition in closed container.

BeCO3BeO+CO2

Hence, more is the stability of oxide formed, less will be stability of carbonates. Stability of oxides decreases down the group is beryllium oxide i.e., high stable making BeCO3 unstable.

(ii) All the alkaline earth metals form oxides of formula MO. The oxides are very stable due to high lattice energy and are used as refractory material.

Except BeO (predominantly covalent) all other oxides are ionic and their lattice energy decreases as the size of cation increases.

The oxides are basic and basic nature increases from BeO to BaO (due to increasing ionic nature).

BeO<Amphoteric MgO<Weak basic CaO<SrO<BaOStrong basic 

BeO dissolves both in acid and alkalies to give salts and is amphoteric

The oxides of the alkaline earth metals (except BeO and MgO ) dissolve in water to form basic hydroxides and evolve a large amount of heat. BeO and MgO possess high lattice energy and thus insoluble in water.

35. Why are BeSO4 and MgSO4 readily soluble in water while CaSO4, SrSO4 and BaSO4 are insoluble?

Show Answer

Answer

The lattice energy of alkaline earth metal sulphates is almost constant due to large size of sulphate ion. Thus, their solubility is decided by hydration energy which decreases on moving down the group.

The greater hydration enthalpies of Be2+ and Mg2+ ions overcome the lattice enthalpy factor and therefore, their sulphates are soluble in water.

However, hydration enthalpy is low for Ca2+,Sr2+ ions and cannot overcome the lattice energy factor. Hence, these are insoluble.

36. All compounds of alkali metals are easily soluble in water but lithium compounds are more soluble in organic solvents. Explain.

Show Answer

Answer

Smallest size of Li+ion among all alkali metals and its high polarising power are the two factors which develop covalent character in the lithium compounds (Fajan’s rule). Compounds of other alkali metals are ionic in nature. So, they are soluble in water.

Since lithium compounds being relatively covalent are soluble in alcohol and other organic solvents in accordance with “like dissolve like”.

37. In the Solvay process, can we obtain sodium carbonate directly by treating the solution containing (NH4)2CO3 with sodium chloride? Explain.

Show Answer

Answer

No,(NH4)2CO3 reacts with NaCl as

(NH4)2CO3+2NaClNa2CO3+2NH4Cl

Because the products obtained Na2CO3 and NH4Cl are highly soluble and the equilibrium will not shift in forward direction.

That’s why in the Solvay process, we cannot obtain sodium carbonate directly by treating the solution containing (NH4)2CO3 with sodium chloride.

38. Write Lewis structure of O2ion and find out oxidation state of each

oxygen atom? What is the average oxidation state of oxygen in this ion?

Show Answer

Answer

The Lewis structure of O2is :OO¨:

<img src= “https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.chem.ucla.edu%2Fharding%2FIGOC%2FR%2Fradical_anion.html&psig=AOvVaw2Wazl41kDKGCwsKF0vrLNn&ust=1719397435330000&source=images&cd=vfe&opi=89978449&ved=0CBEQjhxqFwoTCNigitzE9oYDFQAAAAAdAAAAABAI"height="70 px”>

Oxygen atom carrying no charge has six electrons, so its oxidation number is zero. But oxygen atom carrying -1 charge has 7 electrons, so its oxidation number is -1 .

Average oxidation number of each oxygen atom =12

O2=2x=1x=12

39. Why do beryllium and magnesium not impart colour to the flame in the flame test?

Show Answer

Answer

All alkaline earth metals (except Be and Mg ) impart a characteristic colour to the Bunsen flame. The different colours arise due to different energies required for electronic excitation and de-excitation.

Be and Mg atoms due to their small size, bind their electrons more strongly (because of higher effective nuclear charge). Hence, require high excitation energy and are not excited by the energy of the flame with the result that no flame colour is shown by them.

40. What is the structure of BeCl2 molecule in gaseous and solid state?

Show Answer

Answer

Beryllium chloride has different structures in solid and vapour state. In solid state, it exists in the form of polymeric chain structure in which each Be-atom is surrounded by four chlorine atoms having two of the chlorine atoms covalently bonded while the other two by coordinate bonds. The resulting bridge structure contains infinite chains.

Structure of BeCl2 in solid state

In vapour state, above 1200 K, it exists as a monomer having linear structure and zero dipole moment. But below 1200 K, it exists as dimer structure even in vapour state.

ClBeCl

Above 1200 K

Monomer

Matching The Columns

41. Match the elements given in Column I with the properties mentioned in Column II.

Column I Column II
A. Li 1. Insoluble sulphate
B. Na 2. Strongest monoacidic base
C. Ca 3. Most negative E value among alkali metals
D. Ba 4. Insoluble oxalate
5. 6s2 outer electronic configuration

Show Answer

Answer

A. (3)

B. (2)

C. (4)

D. (5)

A. Li-Most negative Eamong alkali metals [Due to very high hydration energy the resulting E is most negative].

B. Na-Strongest monoacidic base [Alkalies are more acidic than alkaline earth metals. LiOH has covalent character].

C. Ca-insoluble oxalate [Calciuim oxalate is insoluble in water]

D. Ba-Insoluble sulphate

[Hydration energy decreases as size of cation increases].

6s2 outer electronic configuration

56Ba=1s2,2s2,2p6,3s2,3p6,3d10,4s2,4p6,4d10,5s2,5p6,6s2]

42. Match the compounds given in Column I with their uses mentioned in Column II.

Column I Column II
A. CaCO3 1. Dentistry, ornamental work
B. Ca(OH)2 2. Manufacture of sodium carbonate
from caustic soda
C. CaO 3. Manufacture of high quality paper
D. CaSO4 4. Used in white washing

Show Answer

Answer

A. (3)

B. (4)

C. (2)

D. 1

A. CaCO3 Manufacture of high quality paper

B. Ca(OH)2 - Used in white washing

C. CaO - Manufacture of sodium carbonate from caustic soda

D. CaSO4 Dentistry, ornamental work

43. Match the elements given in Column I with the colour they impart to the flame given in Column II.

Column I Column II
A. Cs 1. Apple green
B. Na 2. Violet
C. K 3. Brick red
D. Ca 4. Yellow
E. Sr 5. Crimson red
F. Ba 6. Blue

Show Answer

Answer

A. (6)

B. (4)

C. (2)

D. (3)

E. (5)

F. 1

Elements with the characteristic flame colour are as follows

A. Cs - Blue

B. Na - Yellow

C. K - Violet

D. Ca-Brick red

E. Sr - Crimson red

F. Ba - Apple green

Flame colours are produced from the movement of the electrons in the metal ions present in the compounds. These movement of electrons (electronic excitation-de-excitation) requires energy.

Each atom has particular energy gap between ground and excited energy level therefore each of these movements involves a specific amount of energy emitted as light energy, and each corresponds to a particular colour. As we know energy gap between ground and excited state energy level increases wavelength of decreases and complemently colouer is observed as a result.

44. Assertion and Reason

In the following questions a statement of Assertion (A) followed by a statement of Reason (R) is given. Choose the correct option out of the choices given below in each question.

Assertion (A) The carbonate of lithium decomposes easily on heating to form lithium oxide and CO2.

Reason (R) Lithium being very small in size polarises large carbonate ion leading to the formation of more stable Li2O and CO2.

(a) Both A and R are correct and R is the correct explanation of A

(b) Both A and R are correct but R is not the correct explanation of A

(c) Both A and R are not correct

(d) A is not correct but R is correct

Show Answer

Answer

(a) The thermal stability of carbonates increases down the group. Hence, Li2CO3 is least stable.

Due to small size of Li+, strong polarising power distorts the electron cloud of CO32 ion.

High lattice energy of Li2O than Li2CO3 also favours the decomposition of Li2CO3.

45. Assertion (A) Beryllium carbonate is kept in the atmosphere of carbon dioxide.

Reason (R) Beryllium carbonate is unstable and decomposes to give beryllium oxide and carbon dioxide.

(a) Both A and R are correct and R is the correct explanation of A

(b) Both A and R are correct but R is not the correct explanation of A

(c) Both A and R are not correct

(d) A is not correct but R is correct

Show Answer

Answer

(a) BeO is more stable than BeCO3 due to small size and high polarising power of Be2+.

As BeCO3 is unstable and BeO is more stable thus, when BeCO3 is kept in an atmosphere of CO2, a reversible process takes place and stability of BeCO3 increases.

BeCO3BeO+CO2

Long Answer Type Questions

46. The s-block elements are characterised by their larger atomic sizes, lower ionisation enthalpies, invariable +1 oxidation state and solubilities of their oxosalts. In the light of these features describe the nature of their oxides, halides and oxosalts.

Show Answer

Answer

Due to low ionisation energy and large atomic size, alkali metals form cation readily and so their compounds are ionic.

Oxides

Due to +1 oxidation state, alkali metals form normal oxides of general formula M2O.

Only Li forms normal oxide Li2O when heated in air. Other form peroxide and superoxide.

Oxides of alkali metals are strongly basic and are soluble in water.

The basic character of oxide increases gradually from Li2O to Cs2O due to increased ionic character.

Halides

Except lithium halides all other alkali metal halides are ionic. Due to high polarising power of Li+. Lithium halide is covalent in nature. Due to +1 oxidation states alkali metal halides have general formula MX. Low ionisation enthalpy allows formation of ionic halides.

Oxo salts

All alkali metals form solid carbonates of general formula M2CO3. Carbonates are stable except Li2CO3 due to high polarising capacity of Li+which is unstable and decomposes.

All the alkali metals (except Li) form solid bicarbonates MHCO3. All alkali metals form nitrates having formula MNO3. They are colourless, water soluble, electrovalent compounds.

47. Present a comparative account of the alkali and alkaline earth metals with respect to the following characteristics.

(a) Tendency to form ionic/covalent compounds

(b) Nature of oxides and their solubility in water

(c) Formation of oxosalts

(d) Solubility of oxosalts

(e) Thermal stability of oxosalts

Show Answer

Answer

(a) Alkaline earth metals form compounds which are predominantly ionic but less ionic than the corresponding compounds of alkali metals due to increased nuclear charge and small size.

(b) Oxides of alkaline earth metals are less basic than corresponding oxides of alkali metals. The oxides dissolve in water to form basic hydroxides and evolve a large amount of heat. The alkaline earth metal hydroxides, are however less basic and less stable than alkali metal hydroxides.

(c) Alkaline earth metals form oxoacids as alkali metals. The formation of alkali metal oxoacids is much more faster and stronger than their corresponding alkaline earth metals due to increased nuclear charge and small size.

(d) Solubility of alkaline oxoacids is more than alkali oxoacids because alkaline earth metals have small size of cation and higher hydration energy. Salts like CaCO3 are insoluble in water.

(e) Oxosalts of alkali metals are thermally more stable than those of alkaline earth metals. As the electropositive character increases down the group, the stability of carbonate and hydrogen carbonates of alkali metal increases.

Whereas for alkaline earth metals, carbonate decomposes on heating to give carbon dioxide and oxygen.

48. When a metal of group 1 was dissolved in liquid ammonia, the following observations were obtained

(a) Blue solution was obtained initially.

(b) On concentrating the solution, blue colour changed to bronze colour.

How do you account for the blue colour of the solution? Give the name of the product formed on keeping the solution for some time.

Show Answer

Answer

(a) The reaction that takes place when alkali metal is dissolved in liquid ammonia is

M+(x+y)NH3[M(NH3)x]++[(NH3)y]e

The blue colour of the solution is due to the presence of ammoniated electron which absorb enercy in the visible rencinn nf linht and thıs, imnart hlue colour to the solution.

(b) In concentrated solution, the blue colour changes to bronze colour due to the formation of metal ion clusters. The blue solution on keeping for some time liberate hydrogen slowly with the formation of amide.

M++eMNH2+1/2H2

49. The stability of peroxide and superoxide of alkali metals increase as we go down to group. Explain giving reason.

Show Answer

Answer

The stability of peroxide or superoxide increases as the size of metal ion increases i.e.,

KO2<RbO2<CsO2

The reactivity of alkali metals toward oxygen to form different oxides is due to strong positive field around each alkali metal cation. Li+is the smallest, it does not allow O2 ion to react with O2 further. Na+is larger than Li, its positive field is weaker than Li+. It cannot prevent the conversion of O2 into O22.

The largest K+,Rb+and Cs+ions permit O22 ion to react with O2 forming superoxide ion O2.

O22 Oxide 12O2O2 Peroxide O22O2 Superoxide 

Futhermore, increased stability of the peroxide or superoxide with increase in the size of metal ion is due to the stabilisation of large anions by larger cations through lattice energy effect.

50. When water is added to compound (A) of calcium, solution of compound (B) is formed. When carbon dioxide is passed into the solution, it turns milky due to the formation of compound (C). If excess of carbon dioxide is passed into the solution milkiness disappears due to the formation of compound (D). Identify the compounds A,B,C and D. Explain why the milkiness disappears in the last step.

Show Answer

Answer

Appearance of milkiness on passing CO2 in the solution of compound B indicates that compound B is lime water and compound C is CaCO3. Since, compound B is obtained by adding H2O to compound A, therefore, compound A is quicklime, CaO.

The reactions are as follows

(i)

CaOCalciunoxide(A)+H2oCa(OH)2Lime waterB

Ca(OH)2(B)+CO2CaCO3Calcium carbonate(Milkiness)+H2O(C)

(iii) When excess of CO2 is passed, milkiness disappears due to the formation of soluble calcium bicarbonate (D).

CaCO3Milkiness(c)+CO2+H2OCa(HCO3)2Calciumbicarbonate(SolubleinH2O)(D)

51. Lithium hydride can be used to prepare other useful hydrides. Beryllium hydride is one of them. Suggest a route for the preparation of beryllium hydride starting from lithium hydride. Write chemical equations involved in the process.

Show Answer

Answer

BeH2 can be prepared from the corresponding halides by the reduction with complex alkali metal hydrides such as lithium aluminium hydride LiAlH4.

8LiH+Al2Cl62LiAlH4+6LiCl

2BeCl2+LiAlH42BeH2+LiCl+AlCl2

52. An element of group 2 forms covalent oxide which is amphoteric in nature and dissolves in water to give an amphoteric hydroxide. Identify the element and write chemical reactions of the hydroxide of the element with an alkali and an acid.

Show Answer

Answer

The alkaline earth metals burn in oxygen to form monoxide MO. BeO is essentially covalent in nature, other being ionic in nature.

BeO is amphoteric while other oxides are basic in nature and react with water to form sparingly soluble hydroxides.

BeO dissolves both in acid and alkalis to give salt and is amphoteric.

BeO+H2OBe(OH)2 Beryllium  hydroxide 

Be(OH)2 is an amphoteric hydroxide, dissolving in both acids and alkalies.

With alkalies it dissolves to form the tetrahydroxidoberyllate (Z)anion with sodium hydroxide solution.

2NaOH(aq)+Be(OH)2( s)Na2Be(OH)4(aq) Sodium tetra hydroxidoberyllate 

With acids, it forms beryllium salts.

Be(OH)2+H2SO4 Sulphuric  acid BeSO4 Beryllium  sulphate +2H2O

53. Ions of an element of group 1 participate in the transmission of nerve signals and transport of sugars and aminoacids into cells. This element imparts yellow colour to the flame in flame test and forms an oxide and a peroxide with oxygen. Identify the element and write chemical reaction to show the formation of its peroxide. Why does the element impart colour to the flame?

Show Answer

Answer

Yellow colour flame in flame test indicates that the alkali metal must be sodium. It reacts with O2 to form a mixture of sodium peroxide, Na2O2 and sodium oxide Na2O.

4Na+O2Δ2Na2O (Minor) 2Na2O+O2Δ2Na2O2 (Major) 2Na+O2ΔNa2O2

Ionisation enthalpy of sodium is low. When sodium metal or its salt is heated in Bunsen flame, the flame energy causes an excitation of the outermost electron which on reverting back to its initial position gives out the absorbed energy as visible light and complementary colour of absorbed colour from the light radiation is seen.

That’s why sodium imparts yellow colour to the flame.