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
(a)
(b)
(c)
(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
Melting point of
-
(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)
(c)
(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
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.
-
(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
(a) Sublimation enthalpy
(b) lonisation enthalpy
(c) Hydration enthalpy
(d) Electron-gain enthalpy
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Answer
(c) Standard reduction potential
(i) enthalpy of sublimation
(ii) ionisation enthalpy
(iii) enthalpy of hydration
Thus, in aqueous medium, order of reactivity of alkali metals is
The formation of
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
For alkali metals, enthalpies of sublimation are almost same.
The highly exothermic step (iii) for smallest
-
(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)
(b)
(c)
(d)
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Thinking Process
All the alkaline earth metals form carbonates having general formula
Thermal stability of carbonates increases with increase in atomic number, i.e., on moving down the group
Answer
(d)
Therefore, the increasing size of cation destabilizes the oxides and hence does not favour the decomposition of heavier alkaline earth metal carbonates like
-
(a)
: Magnesium carbonate is less thermally stable compared to barium carbonate 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)
: Calcium carbonate is also less thermally stable than barium carbonate . 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)
: Strontium carbonate is less thermally stable than barium carbonate 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
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
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Answer
(a)
-
(b)
: Magnesium carbonate ( ) is relatively stable in air and does not decompose easily. It does not require a atmosphere to remain stable. -
(c)
: Calcium carbonate ( ) 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 atmosphere for stability. -
(d)
: Barium carbonate ( ) is stable in air and does not decompose easily. It does not require a atmosphere to avoid decomposition.
6. Metals form basic hydroxides. Which of the following metal hydroxide is the least basic?
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
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Answer
(a) All the alkaline earth metals form hydroxides. Solubility of hydroxides of alkaline earth metals increases from Be to
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.
The magnitude of hydration energy remains almost same whereas lattice energy decreases down the group leading to more negative values for
More negative
Hence,
-
(b)
: 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)
: 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)
: 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)
(b)
(c)
(d)
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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,
-
(b)
: 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)
: 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)
: 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)
(b)
(c)
(d)
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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
-
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
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)
(b)
(c)
(d)
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Answer
(a) The solubility of hydroxides of alkaline earth metals increases from
Due to high hydration enthalpy and high lattice energy
-
(b)
: 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)
: Calcium hydroxide is not amphoteric; it is slightly soluble in water and does not react with sodium hydroxide to form a soluble complex. -
(d)
: 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
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
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Answer
(a) Sodium carbonate is synthesised by Solvay ammonia soda process.
The reactions involved are
-
(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
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
-
(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)
(b)
(c)
(d)
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Answer
(a) Plaster of Paris is prepared by heating gypsum at
On heating plaster of Paris at
-
(b)
: This is Plaster of Paris, not dead burnt plaster. Plaster of Paris is formed by heating gypsum to about , not . -
(c)
: This is not a common form of calcium sulfate used in plaster. The common forms are gypsum ( ) and Plaster of Paris ( ). -
(d)
: This is gypsum, the raw material used to produce Plaster of Paris. It is not dead burnt plaster, which is anhydrous calcium sulfate ( ).
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
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)
(c)
(d)
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Answer
(a) Except Be, all alkaline earth metals form hydrides
-
(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)
(c)
(b)
(d)
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Answer
(d) On heating washing soda, it loses its water of crystallisation. Above
-
(a)
: 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)
: 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)
: 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
-
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
(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.
- (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)
(b)
(c)
(d)
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Answer
(c) To recover
On passing
-
(a)
: This compound is calcium bicarbonate, which is not used in the Solvay process for recovering ammonia. Additionally, it does not turn milky when is bubbled through its solution. -
(b)
: Calcium oxide, also known as quicklime, does not directly react with to form a milky solution. It first needs to react with water to form , which then reacts with to form the milky suspension of . -
(d)
: Calcium carbonate is the product formed when is bubbled through a solution of . It is not used in the Solvay process to recover ammonia and does not turn milky upon further reaction with .
21. Dehydration of hydrates of halides of calcium, barium and strontium i.e.,
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
-
(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
, , , .
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
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
-
(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)
(b)
(c)
(d)
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Answer
(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. (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)
(b)
(c)
(d)
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Answer
Solubility of sulphates of alkaline earth metals in water decreases from
The decreasing solubility of
-
(c)
: This compound is almost completely insoluble in water. The solubility of sulphates of alkaline earth metals decreases from Be to Ba, and for , the lattice energy is much higher than the hydration energy, making it insoluble. -
(d)
: This compound is also not readily soluble in water. Similar to , the solubility decreases down the group, and for , 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)
(b)
(c)
(d)
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Answer
To make hard water soft, zeolite method is used. Sodium zeolite or sodium alumino silicate
-
(a)
ions: Zeolite does not exchange sodium ions with hydrogen ions ( ) because the primary purpose of zeolite in water softening is to remove hardness caused by divalent cations like and . Hydrogen ions do not contribute to water hardness. -
(d)
ions: Zeolite does not exchange sodium ions with sulfate ions ( ) because sulfate ions are anions, whereas zeolite is designed to exchange cations. The process specifically targets the removal of cations like and that cause water hardness.
26. Identify the correct formula of halides of alkaline earth metals from the following.
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
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Answer
All the chlorides of alkaline earth metals are hydrated to different extent and extent of hydration decreases from
-
Option (b)
: This option is incorrect because barium chloride typically forms a dihydrate ( ) rather than a tetrahydrate. The extent of hydration decreases from magnesium to barium, and barium chloride does not commonly form a tetrahydrate. -
Option (d)
: This option is incorrect because strontium chloride typically forms a dihydrate ( ) 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
(c) Beryllium exhibits coordination number more than four
(d) Beryllium oxide is purely acidic in nature
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Answer
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
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
-
(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
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Answer
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?
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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)
(ii)
(iii)
With the small size of its ion, lithium has the highest hydration enthalpy. However, ionisation enthalpy of
Therefore, lithium is the strongest reducing agent in aqueous solution mainly because of its high enthalpy of hydration.
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Answer
The reactivity of alkali metals towards oxygen increases on moving down the group with the increase in atomic size. Thus,
The superoxide,
(i)
(ii)
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Answer
(i) Peroxide ion react with water to form
(ii) Superoxide ion react with water to form
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Answer
Lithium resembles with magnesium as its charge size ratio is closer to
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
(ii) Carbonates of
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Answer
An element from group 2 which forms an amphoteric oxide and a water soluble sulphate is beryllium.
Beryllium forms oxides of formula
Sulphate of beryllium is a white solid which crystallises as hydrated salts
(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
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
(ii) All the alkaline earth metals form oxides of formula
Except
The oxides are basic and basic nature increases from
The oxides of the alkaline earth metals (except
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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
However, hydration enthalpy is low for
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Answer
Smallest size of
Since lithium compounds being relatively covalent are soluble in alcohol and other organic solvents in accordance with “like dissolve like”.
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Answer
Because the products obtained
That’s why in the Solvay process, we cannot obtain sodium carbonate directly by treating the solution containing
oxygen atom? What is the average oxidation state of oxygen in this ion?
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Answer
The Lewis structure of
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
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Answer
All alkaline earth metals (except
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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
In vapour state, above
Above
Monomer

Matching The Columns
41. Match the elements given in Column I with the properties mentioned in Column II.
Column I | Column II | ||
---|---|---|---|
A. | 1. | Insoluble sulphate | |
B. | 2. | Strongest monoacidic base | |
C. | 3. | Most negative |
|
D. | 4. | Insoluble oxalate | |
5. |
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Answer
A.
B.
C.
D.
A. Li-Most negative
B.
C. Ca-insoluble oxalate [Calciuim oxalate is insoluble in water]
D. Ba-Insoluble sulphate
[Hydration energy decreases as size of cation increases].
Column I | Column II | ||
---|---|---|---|
A. | 1. | Dentistry, ornamental work | |
B. | 2. | Manufacture of sodium carbonate from caustic soda |
|
C. | 3. | Manufacture of high quality paper | |
D. | 4. | Used in white washing |
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Answer
A.
B.
C.
D.
A.
B.
C.
D.
Column I | Column II | ||
---|---|---|---|
A. | 1. | Apple green | |
B. | 2. | Violet | |
C. | 3. | Brick red | |
D. | 4. | Yellow | |
E. | 5. | Crimson red | |
F. | 6. | Blue |
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A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.
Elements with the characteristic flame colour are as follows
A. Cs - Blue
B.
C.
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.
In the following questions a statement of Assertion (A) followed by a statement of Reason
Assertion (A) The carbonate of lithium decomposes easily on heating to form lithium oxide and
Reason (R) Lithium being very small in size polarises large carbonate ion leading to the formation of more stable
(a) Both
(b) Both
(c) Both
(d)
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(a) The thermal stability of carbonates increases down the group. Hence,
Due to small size of
High lattice energy of
Reason (R) Beryllium carbonate is unstable and decomposes to give beryllium oxide and carbon dioxide.
(a) Both
(b) Both
(c) Both
(d)
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Answer
(a)
As
Long Answer Type Questions
46. The
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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
Only
Oxides of alkali metals are strongly basic and are soluble in water.
The basic character of oxide increases gradually from
Halides
Except lithium halides all other alkali metal halides are ionic. Due to high polarising power of
Oxo salts
All alkali metals form solid carbonates of general formula
All the alkali metals (except Li) form solid bicarbonates
(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
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(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
(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.
(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.
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(a) The reaction that takes place when alkali metal is dissolved in liquid ammonia is
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.
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The stability of peroxide or superoxide increases as the size of metal ion increases i.e.,
The reactivity of alkali metals toward oxygen to form different oxides is due to strong positive field around each alkali metal cation.
The largest
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.
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Appearance of milkiness on passing
The reactions are as follows
(i)
(iii) When excess of
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The alkaline earth metals burn in oxygen to form monoxide MO. BeO is essentially covalent in nature, other being ionic in nature.
With alkalies it dissolves to form the tetrahydroxidoberyllate
With acids, it forms beryllium salts.
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Yellow colour flame in flame test indicates that the alkali metal must be sodium. It reacts with
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.