The s-block elements are characterized by their larger atomic sizes, lower ionization 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.
(i) Nature of oxides – Alkali metals form M20, M202 and M02 types of oxides. The stability of the peroxide or superoxide increases as the size of metal cation increases. This is due to the stabilization of large anions by larger cations.
(ii) Nature of halides – Alkali metal halides have general formula MX. All halides are soluble in water. LiF is very less soluble in water due to its high lattice energy. Their melting points and boiling points follow the trend – fluoride > chloride > bromide > iodide. This is because with increase in size of the halide ion, lattice energy increases.
(iii) Oxosalts – Oxosalts of alkali metals are generally soluble in water and thermally stable. As electropositive character increases down the group, stability of carbonates and bicarbonates increases.
Match the elements given in Column I with the colour they impart to the flame given in Column II.
| Column I | Column II |
| (i) Cs | (a) Apple green |
| (ii) Na | (b) Violet |
| (iii) K | (c) Brick red |
| (iv) Ca | (d) Yellow |
| (v) Sr | (e) Crimson red |
| (vi) Ba | (f) Blue |
The reducing power of a metal depends oh various factors. Suggest the factor which makes Li, the strongest reducing agent in aqueous solution.
(a) Sublimation enthalpy (b) Ionisation enthalpy
(c) Hydration enthalpy (d) Electron-gain enthalpy
The hydroxides and carbonates of sodium and potassium are easily soluble in water while the corresponding salts of magnesium and calcium are sparingly soluble in water. Explain.
Arrange the following in the increasing order of solubility in water.
MgCl2, CaCl2, SrCl2, BaCl2
(a) What makes lithium to show properties uncommon to the rest of the alkali metals?
(b) When is a cation highly polarising? Which alkali metal cation has the highest polarising power?
The order of decreasing ionization 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
Explain the significance of sodium, potassium, magnesium and calcium in biological fluids.
Why does the solution of alkali metals becomes blue in liquid ammonia? Give the chemical equation also.
Which of the carbonates given below is unstable in air and is kept in C02 atmosphere to avoid decomposition.
(a) BeCO3
(b) MgC03
(c) CaC03
(d) BaCO3
(a) Compare four properties of alkali metals and alkaline earth metals.
(b) What happens when alkali metals are dissolved in ammonia?
(c) MgCl2 is electrolysed.
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 ionization enthalpy of lithium atom.
Name the alkaline earth metals whose salt do not impart colour to a non-luminous flame.
Explain why can alkali and alkaline earth metals not be obtained by chemical reduction method.
Describe two important uses of each of the following: ,
(i) caustic soda (ii) sodium carbonate (iii) quick lime
Why are lithium salts commonly hydrated and those of the other alkali metal ions usually anhydrous?
What happens when
(i) Sodium metal is dropped in water?
(ii) Sodium metal is heated in free supply of air?
(iii) Sodium peroxide dissolves in water?
Lithium resembles magnesium in some of its properties. Mention two such properties and give reasons for this resemblance.
Metal carbonates decompose on heating to give metal oxide and carbon dioxide. Which of the metal carbonates is most stable thermally?
(a) MgC03
(b)CaC03
(c)SrCQ3
(d)BaC03
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.
Compare the alkali metals and alkaline earth metals with respect to (i) ionization enthalpy, (ii) basicity of oxides, (iii) solubility of hydroxides.
Beryllium and magnesium do not give colour to flame whereas other alkaline earth metals do so. Why?
Which one of the following alkaline earth metal carbonates is thermally most stable?
(a) MgCO3 (b) CaCO3 (c) SrCO3 (d) BaCO3
Write the chemical formula of the following compounds.
(i) Chile salt petre (ii) Marble (iii) Brine
State as to why
(a) Alkali metals show only +1 oxidation state. (b) Na and K impart colour to the flame but Mg does not.(c) Lithium on being heated in air mainly forms the monoxide and not the peroxide.(d) Li is the best reducing agent in aqueous solution.
In the synthesis of sodium carbonate, the recovery of ammonia is done by treating NH4C1 with Ca(OH)2. The by-product obtained in this process is
(a) CaCl2
(b) NaCl
(c) NaOH
(d) NaHC03
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
Dehydration of hydrates of halides of.calcium, barium and strontium, i.e., CaCl2.6H20, BaCl2.2H20, SrCl2.2H20, can be achieved by heating. These become wet oh keeping in air. Which of the following statements is correct about these halides?
(a) Act as dehydrating agents.
(b) Can absorb moisture from air.
(c) Tendency to form hydrate decreases from calcium to barium.
(d) All of the above.
Metallic elements are described by their standard electrode potential, frision enthalpy, atomic size, etc. The alkali metals are characterized by which of the following properties?
(a) High boiling point. ‘
(b) High negative standard electrode potential.
(c) High density.
(d) Large atomic size.
When heated in air, the alkali metals form various oxides. Mention the oxides formed by Li, Na and K.
Match the compounds given in Column I with their uses mentioned in Column II.
| Column I | Column II |
| (i) CaC03 | (a) Dentistry, ornamental work |
| (ii) Ca(OH)2 | (b) Manufacture of sodium carbonate from caustic soda |
| (iii) CaO | (c) Manufacture-of high quality paper |
| (iv) CaS04 | (d) Used in white washing |
When alkali metal dissolves in liquid ammonia, the solution can acquire different colours. Explain the reason for this type of colour change.
Write balanced equations for reactions between.
(a) Na2O2 and water
(b) KO2 and water
(c) Na2O and CO2
Why are ionic hydrides of only alkali metals and alkaline earth metals are known? Give two examples.
Which out of the following can be used to store an alkali metal?
H2O, C2H5OH and Benzene
Choose the correct statements from the folio-wing.
(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.
The s-block elements are characterized by their larger atomic sizes, lower ionization 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.