s-block elements

1. What are the common physical and chemical features of alkali metals ?
Ans : For answer, consult the note,first few pages.
2. Discuss the general characteristics and gradation in properties of alkaline earth
metals.
3. Why are alkali metals not found in nature?
Ans : alkali metals are highly reactive due to low ionization enthalpy and strong electro-
positive character. They do not occur in free or native state and are always combine with
each other elements. As a result, alkali metals are not generally found in nature.
4. Find Oxidation state of sodium in 𝑵𝒂𝟐 𝑶𝟐 .
Ans : 2x + 2(-1) = 0 or x = +1
5. Explain why is Sodium less reactive than potassium.
Ans : This is mainly due to higher ionisation enthalpy (∆𝑖 𝐻1 = 496 𝑘𝐽 𝑚𝑜𝑙 −1 ) of sodium
as compared to potassium (∆𝑖 𝐻1 = 419 𝑘𝐽 𝑚𝑜𝑙 −1 ). As a result, the Potassium is more
electropositive and stronger reducing agent than sodium. It also reacts with water more
violently than sodium. The sodium is less reactive than potassium.
6. Compare the alkali metals and alkaline earth metals with respect to (i) ionization
enthalpy (ii) basicity of oxides and (iii) solubility of hydroxides.
Ans : (i) Ionization enthalpy. The ionization enthalpy of alkaline earth metals (group 2)
is more as compared to alkali metals (group 1) present in the same period due to smaller
size and more symmetrical configuration. For example,

(ii) Basicity of oxides : Oxides of alkali metals are stronger bases as compared to those
of alkaline earth metals present in the same period. This is quite evident from the fact that
when 𝑁𝑎2 𝑂 is dissolved in water, NaOH formed is a stronger base than when MgO is
dissolved in water to form 𝑀𝑔(𝑂𝐻)2 .
𝑁𝑎2 𝑂 + 𝐻2 𝑂 → 2𝑁𝑎𝑂𝐻 ; 𝑀𝑔𝑂 + 𝐻2 𝑂 → 𝑀𝑔(𝑂𝐻)2
this is on account of lesser and reaction enthalpy of alkali metals as compared to alkaline
earth metals. Therefore, NaOH can release 𝑂𝐻 − ions in solution more readily than
𝑀𝑔(𝑂𝐻)2 .
(iii) solubility of hydroxides. Alkali metal hydroxides are more soluble in water as
compared to the hydroxides of alkaline earth metals present in the same period. This is
on account of higher lattice enthalpy of the hydroxides of Alkaline earth family as
compared to those alkyl alkali metals.

7. In what ways does lithium show similarity to magnesium in its chemical behavior ?

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 Ans : Lithium (group 1) shows diagonal similarity with magnesium (group 2). For
details consult the note
8. Explain why alkali and alkaline earth metals cannot be obtained by chemical
reduction.
Ans : the metals belonging to both the families are very strong reducing agents. It is
therefore not possible to reduce their oxides by reacting with common reducing agents
like carbon (Coke), zinc etc. These are normally isolated by carrying out the electrolysis
of the salts of this metals in the molten state.
9. Why are potassium and caesium, rather than Lithium used in photoelectric cells?
Ans : The ionization enthalpy of Lithium is quite high. The photos of light are not in a
position to eject electrons from the surface of lithium metal. Therefore , photoelectric
effect is not noticed. However, both potassium and caesium have comparatively low
ionization enthalpies. This means that the electrons can quite easily be ejected from the
surface of these metals when importance of certain minimum frequency ( thresfold
frequency 𝑣 0 ) strike against their surface.
10. When an alkali metal is dissolved in liquid Ammonia, the solution can aqquire
different colours. Explain the reason for this type of colour change.
Ans : for answer, consult the note
11. Beryllium and magnesium do not give colour to the flame while other alkaline earth
metals do so. Explain .
Ans : For answer, consult the note
12. Discuss the various reactions which occur in solvay process.
Ans : For answer consult the note
13. Potassium carbonate cannot be prepared by solvay process. Explain.
Ans : In Solvay Ammonia process for getting sodium carbonate, 𝑁𝑎𝐻𝐶𝑂3 formed gets
precipitated and upon heating it gives sodium carbonate. 𝐾𝐻𝐶𝑂3 is expected to be
formed is the same process is used for the preparation of 𝐾2 𝐶𝑂3 . but as 𝐾𝐻𝐶𝑂3 is highly
soluble in water, it cannot be isolated.
14. Lithium carbonate decomposes on heating while sodium carbonate does not.
Ans : Upon heating, 𝐿𝑖2 𝐶𝑂3 decomposes to form 𝐿𝑖2 𝑂 and 𝐶𝑂2 . The smaller size of 𝐿𝑖 +
ion makes the lattice of 𝐿𝑖2 𝑂 more stable than that of 𝐿𝑖2 𝐶𝑂3 . But due to the bigger size
of 𝑁𝑎+ ion, the lattice of 𝑁𝑎2 𝑂 is less stable than that of 𝑁𝑎2 𝐶𝑂3 . therefore , 𝑁𝑎2 𝐶𝑂3
fails to decompose on heating while lithium carbonate decomposes.
ℎ𝑒𝑎𝑡 ℎ𝑒𝑎𝑡
𝐿𝑖2 𝐶𝑂3 → 𝐿𝑖2 𝑂 + 𝐶𝑂2 ; 𝑁𝑎2 𝐶𝑂3 → 𝑛𝑜 𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛
15. Compare the solubility and thermal stability of the following compounds of alkali
metals with those of alkaline earth metals :
(a) nitrates (b) carbonate (c) sulphates

Ans : (a) Nitrates of alkali and alkaline earth metals.

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 solubility. Nitrates of alkali metals are water soluble. Their solubility increases down
the group because their lattice enthalpy decreases more rapidly than the hydration
enthalpy.

(Please note that decreases in lattice enthalpy favours solubility of a solid while decrease
in hydration enthalpy opposes the same)

nitrates of alkaline earth follow the reverse trends i.e. , their solubility decreases down
the group because hydration enthalpy decreases more rapidly than the lattice enthalpy.
Thermal stability. The nitrates of alkali metals (except Lithium nitrate) upon heating
decomposes to form corresponding nitrates and evolve oxygen.
ℎ𝑒𝑎𝑡
2𝑀𝑛𝑂3 → 2𝑀𝑛𝑂2 + 𝑂2 (𝑀 = 𝑁𝑎, 𝐾, 𝑅𝑏, 𝐶𝑠)

Lithium nitrate decomposes to form Lithium oxide and evolves 𝑁𝑂2 as well as 𝑂2 .
ℎ𝑒𝑎𝑡
4𝐿𝑖𝑁𝑂3 → 2𝐿𝑖2 𝑂 + 𝑂2 + 4𝑁𝑂2

the alkaline earth metal nitrates decompose in the same way as Lithium nitrate.
ℎ𝑒𝑎𝑡
2𝑀(𝑁𝑂3 )2 → 2𝑀𝑂 + 𝑂2 + 4𝑁𝑂2 (𝑀 = 𝐵𝑒, 𝑀𝑔, 𝐶𝑎, 𝑆𝑟, 𝐵𝑎)

(b) Carbonates of alkali alkali and alkaline earth metals

Solubility. The trend in the solubility of alkali metals carbonates is the same as that of
nitrates i.e. , it increases down the group. The trend in the solubility of alkaline earth
metal carbonates is also the same i.e. , it decreases down the group.

Thermal stability. Except for lithium carbonate which decomposes upon strong heating
to evolve 𝐶𝑂2 , the carbonates of rest of the alkali metals are quite stable to heat i.e., they
ℎ𝑒𝑎𝑡
do not decompose 2𝐿𝑖𝐶𝑂3 → 𝐿𝑖2 𝑂 + 𝐶𝑂2

In fact, 𝐿𝑖2 𝑂 is more stable than 𝐿𝑖𝐶𝑂3 because due to the small size of 𝐿𝑖 + ion, the
lattice of 𝐿𝑖2 𝑂 is quite stable. For rest of the alkali metal carbonates, 𝑀2 𝑂 is less stable
than 𝑀𝐶𝑂3 due to bigger size of the metal ion. The alkaline earth metal carbonates
decompose in the same way as lithium carbonate.
ℎ𝑒𝑎𝑡
𝑀𝐶𝑂3 → 𝑀𝑂 + 𝐶𝑂2 (𝑀 = 𝐵𝑒, 𝑀𝑔, 𝐶𝑎, 𝑆𝑟, 𝐵𝑎)

Due to smaller size of 𝑀2+ ion, the lattice of MO is more stable than that of 𝑀𝐶𝑂3 .
However ,the stability of metal carbonates increases down the group because of gradual
increase in the size of the 𝑀2+ ion and lesser stability of MO as compared to 𝑀𝐶𝑂3 .

(c) sulphates of alkali and alkaline earth metals.

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 Solubility. The trend in the solubility of alkali metal sulphates and alkaline earth
metal sulphates is as same as in case of nitrates and carbonates.
thermal stability. Except for 𝐿𝑖𝑆𝑂4 which decomposes upon heating the sulphates
of other alkali metals are thermally stable i.e. , they do not decompose on heating
ℎ𝑒𝑎𝑡
2𝐿𝑖𝑆𝑂4 → 2𝐿𝑖2 𝑂 + 𝑂2 + 2𝑆𝑂2

The sulphates of alkaline earth metals also decompose in the same way.
ℎ𝑒𝑎𝑡
2𝑀𝑆𝑂4 → 2𝑀𝑂 + 2𝑆𝑂2 + 𝑂2

16. Starting from sodium chloride, how will you proceed to prepare (i) sodium metal
and (ii) sodium hydroxide (iii) Sodium Peroxide (iv) sodium carbonate.
Ans : (i) preparation of sodium metal. Sodium metal is formed by carrying out the
electrolytic reduction of the salt in the molten state.

at cathode : 𝑁𝑎+ + 𝑒 − → 𝑁𝑎
at anode : 𝐶𝑙 − → 𝐶𝑙 + 𝑒 − ; 𝐶𝑙 + 𝐶𝑙 → 𝐶𝑙2
(ii) preparation of sodium hydroxide. Sodium Hydroxide is prepared by carrying out
the electrolysis of the aqueous solution of sodium chloride either in Nelson’s cell or
Castner Kellner cell.
(iii) preparation of Sodium Peroxide. Sodium chloride is first converted to sodium by
electrolytic reduction. The metal is then heated with excess of oxygen at about 573 K in
an atmosphere free from moisture and carbon dioxide to from Sodium Peroxide.
573𝐾
2𝑁𝑎 + 𝑂2 → 𝑁𝑎2 𝑂2
Sod. peroxide
(iv) preparation of sodium carbonate. From sodium chloride, sodium carbonate is
prepared by solvay Ammonia process. For details, consult section 10.7.
17. What happens when :
(i) Magnesium is burnt in air
(ii) quicklime is heated with silica
(iii) chlorine reacts with slaked lime
(iv) calcium nitrate is heated.

Ans : (i) a mixture of magnesium oxide and magnesium nitride is formed

(ℎ𝑒𝑎𝑡)
5𝑀𝑔 + 𝑂2 + 𝑁2 → 2𝑀𝑔𝑂 + 𝑀𝑔3 𝑁2

(in air) mag. Oxide mag.nitride

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 (ii) calcium silicate is formed

𝐶𝑎𝑂 + 𝑆𝑖𝑂2 → 𝐶𝑎𝑆𝑖𝑂3

(iii) calcium oxychloride (Bleaching powder) is formed

𝐶𝑎(𝑂𝐻)2 + 𝐶𝑙2 → 𝐶𝑎𝑂𝐶𝑙2 + 𝐻2 𝑂

Bleaching powder

(iv) Nitrogen dioxide is evolved.

(ℎ𝑒𝑎𝑡)
2𝐶𝑎(𝑁𝑂3 )2 → 2𝐶𝑎𝑂 + 4𝑁𝑂2 + 𝑂2

18. Describe two important uses of each of the following (i) caustic soda (ii) sodium
carbonate (iii) quick lime.
Ans : (i) uses of caustic soda: consult section 10.9.
(ii) uses of sodium carbonate: consult section 10.7.
(iii) uses of quicklime: consult section 10.18.
19. Draw the structures of (i) 𝑩𝒆𝑪𝒍𝟐 (in solid state) (ii) 𝑩𝒆𝑪𝒍𝟐 (in vapour state).
Ans : for answer, consult section 10.14.
20. The hydroxides and carbonates of sodium and potassium are easily soluble in water
while the corresponding compounds of magnesium and Calcium are sparingly
soluble. Explain.
Ans : All the compounds are crystalline solids and the solubility in water is guided by
both lattice enthalpy and hydration enthalpy. In case of sodium and potassium
compounds, the magnitude of lattice enthalpy is quite small as compared to hydration
enthalpy since the catonic sizes are large. Therefore, the compounds of sodium and
potassium that are mentioned, really dissolved in water. However, in case of
corresponding magnesium and Calcium compounds, the cations have smaller sizes and
more magnitude of positive charge. This means that their lattice enthalpies are more as
compared to the compounds of sodium and potassium. Therefore, the hydroxides and
carbonates of this metals are only sparingly soluble in water. For more details, consult
text part.
21. Describe the importance of the following :
(i) limestone (ii) cement (iii) plaster of paris.

Ans : Internet+common sense(if you have any)

22. Why are Lithium salts commonly hydrated while those of other alkali metal ions are
usually anhydrous?
Ans : In the Lithium salts, the lithium (𝐿𝑖 + ) ion due to very small size gets really
hydrated on coming in contact with moisture (or water). Therefore, Lithium salts are

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 commonly hydrated. But the other alkali metal ions are comparatively big in size. They
have therefore, lesser tendency to get hydrated. They are the salts are usually anhydrous.
23. Why is alive almost insoluble in water while LiCl is soluble not in only in water but
also in acetone?
Ans : The low solubility of LiF in water is due to its very high lattice enthalpy (𝐹 − ion is
very small in size). On the other hand, in lithium chloride(LiCl), the lattice enthalpy is
comparatively very small due to comparatively large size of 𝐶𝑙 − ion. This means that the
magnitude of hydration enthalpy is quite large. Therefore, lithium chloride is dissolved in
water and also in acetone due to dipole attraction. (Acetone is Polar in nature.)

24. Explain significance of Sodium, Potassium, magnesium and Calcium as biological

Fluids .
25. 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?

Ans : (i) sodium hydroxide is formed. The metal catches fire. Actually, the hydrogen
evolved is highly combustible and it catches fire.

2𝑁𝑎 + 2𝐻2 𝑂 → 2𝑁𝑎𝑂𝐻 + 𝐻2

(catches fire)

(ii) Sodium Peroxide is formed

2𝑁𝑎 + 𝑂2 → 𝑁𝑎2 𝑂2

(iii) Oxygen gas is evolved

2𝑁𝑎2 𝑂2 + 2𝐻2 𝑂 → 4𝑁𝑎𝑂𝐻 + 𝑂2

26. (a) Why is LiF least soluble in water among the fluorids of alkali metals?
(b) justify the given orders of mobilities of alkali metal cations in aqueous solutions
:
𝑳𝒊+ < 𝑵𝒂+ < 𝑲+ < 𝑹𝒃+ < 𝑪𝒔+
(c) Lithium is the only alkali metal which forms a nitrite directly. Explain.
(d) 𝑬° for 𝑴𝟐+ (𝒂𝒒) → 𝑴(𝒔) (𝒘𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆 𝑴 = 𝑪𝒂, 𝑺𝒓 𝒐𝒓 𝑩𝒂) is nearly constant.
Discuss.

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 Ans : (a) Lithium fluoride(LiF) is of covalent nature because of the high polarising
power of 𝐿𝑖 + ion due to its very small size and high effective nuclear charge. It is shots
the election cloud of the 𝐹 − ion to the maximum as compared to the cations of the Other
alkali metals. It is therefore, least soluble in water. On the other hand, the fluorides of the
Other alkali metals are generally ionic and are water soluble.

(b) this is attributed to the hydration of cation in water. As a result, size of the cation
increases and its mobility decreases. Due to the smallest size, 𝐿𝑖 + ion is hydrated to the
maximum and exists as 𝐿𝑖 + (aq) and has least mobility.

(c) Lithium is a very strong reducing agent. As a result, it directly exists as 𝐶𝑠 + (aq)
combines with nitrogen to form its nitride(𝐿𝑖3 𝑁).
ℎ𝑒𝑎𝑡
3𝐿𝑖 + 𝑁2 → 𝐿𝑖3 𝑁2

(d) the overall magnitude of reduction potential(𝐸 ° ) depends upon three factors. These
are (i) sublimation enthalpy (ii) ionization enthalpy and (iii) hydration enthalpy. In case
the of the metals listed, the overall magnitudes of 𝐸 ° values in almost the same.
Therefore, these metals have almost same reducing strength.

27. State as to why :

(a) A solution of 𝑵𝒂𝟐 𝑪𝑶𝟑 is alkaline.
(b) Alkaline metals are prepared by the electrolysis of their fused chlorides.
(c) Sodium is found to be more useful than potassium.

Ans : (a) Sodium carbonate being a salt of strong base(NaOH) and weak acid ( 𝐻2 𝐶𝑂3 ),
forms an alkaline solution upon hydrolysis

𝑁𝑎2 𝐶𝑂3 + 2𝐻2 𝑂 → 2𝑁𝑎𝑂𝐻 + 𝐻2 𝐶𝑂3

(Strong base) (weak acid)

(b) since alkali metals are highly reactive chemically, they react with water to evolve
hydrogen gas. These are therefore, prepared by the electrolysis of their fused chlorides.

(c) Sodium is relatively more abundant than potassium. At the same time, it is also less
reactive and its reactions with other substances can be better controlled.

28. Write the balanced equation for the reaction between :

(i) 𝑵𝒂𝟐 𝑶𝟐 and water (ii) 𝑲𝑶𝟐 and water (iii) 𝑵𝒂𝟐 𝑶𝟐 and 𝑪𝑶𝟐

Ans : (i) 2𝑁𝑎2 𝑂2 + 2𝐻2 𝑂 → 4𝑁𝑎𝑂𝐻 + 𝑂2

(ii) 2𝐾𝑂2 + 2𝐻2 𝑂 → 2𝐾𝑂𝐻 + 𝐻2 𝑂2 + 𝑂2

(iii) 𝑁𝑎2 𝑂 + 𝐶𝑂2 → 𝑁𝑎2 𝐶𝑂3
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 29. How do you explain the following :
(i) BeO is insoluble in water while 𝑩𝒆𝑺𝑶𝟒 is soluble.
(ii) 𝑩𝒂(𝑶𝑯)𝟐 is soluble in water while 𝑩𝒂𝑺𝑶𝟒 is almost insoluble.
(iii) 𝑳𝒊𝑯 is more soluble than KI in ethanol.
(iv) 𝑵𝒂𝑯𝑪𝑶𝟑 is known in the solid state but 𝑪𝒂(𝑯𝑪𝑶𝟑 )𝟐 is not isolated in the
solid state.

Ans : (i) The lattice enthalpy of BeO is as higher as compared to 𝐵𝑒𝑆𝑂4 because the
size of 𝑂2− ion is very small while 𝑆𝑂42− ion has bigger size. since high lattice enthalpy
opposes the solubility of a substance in water therefore, BeO is almost insoluble while
𝐵𝑒𝑆𝑂4 soluble in water.

(ii) The size of the 𝑆𝑂42− ion in 𝐵𝑎𝑆𝑂4 is quite big as compared to that of 𝑂𝐻 − ion in
𝐵𝑎(𝑂𝐻)2 . the 𝑆𝑂42− ion has masked the 𝐵𝑎+ ion in 𝐵𝑎𝑆𝑂4 to a large extent with the
result that the cation has a very little tendency to get hydrated. On the other hand, the
𝑂𝐻 − ion due to smaller size masks the 𝐵𝑎2+ ions to lesser extent which means that
hydration energy released when 𝐵𝑎(𝑂𝐻)2 dissolves in water while 𝐵𝑎𝑆𝑂4 is almost
insoluble.

(iii) LiI is mainly covalent while KI has ionic nature. In fact, the size of 𝐿𝑖 + ion is
smaller than that of 𝐾 + ion and it polarises the electron cloud of 𝐼 − ion to a greater
extent. With the result, LiI dissolves in ethanol or ethyl alcohol (organic solvent) where
KI is almost insoluble.

(iv) 𝑁𝑎𝐻𝐶𝑂3 is less soluble in water than 𝐶𝑎(𝐻𝐶𝑂3 )2 . Therefore , it can be precipitated
from the solution while it is difficult to precipitate 𝐶𝑎(𝐻𝐶𝑂3 )2 . Actually , 𝐶𝑎2+ ion has
a greater tendency to get hydrated than 𝑁𝑎+ ion due to its small size and more
magnitude of positive charge. Therefore , 𝐶𝑎(𝐻𝐶𝑂3 )2 is more soluble in water than
𝑁𝑎𝐻𝐶𝑂3 .

30. Which of the following alkali metals is having the least melting point ?
(a) Na (b) K (c) Rb (d) Cs.
Ans : (Cs) has the least m.p. due to its maximum size the least lattice enthalpy.
31. Which of the following alkali metals gives hydrated salts ?
(a) Li (b) Na (c) K (d) Cs

Ans : The salts of lithium are generally hydrated because the size of the 𝐿𝑖 + ion is very
small. It has maximum hydration enthalpy.

32. Thermally the most stable alkaline earth metal carbonate is :

(a) 𝑴𝒈𝑪𝑶𝟑 (b) 𝑪𝒂𝑪𝑶𝟑 (c) 𝑺𝒓𝑪𝑶𝟑 (d) 𝑩𝒂𝑪𝑶𝟑

Ans : (d) Barium carbonate(𝐵𝑎𝐶𝑂3 ) is thermally the most stable.

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