CHAPTER -10 s- BLOCK ELEMENTS ( ALKALI AND ALKALINE EARTH METALS)

CHAPTER AT A GLANCE I. INTRODUCTION

Group 1 and 2 of periodic table belong to s-block elements since s-orbital can accommodate only two electrons. In this unit, we shall discuss the general characteristics of s-block elements and preparation, properties and uses of their important compounds. II. 1. IMPORTANT TERMS AND DEFINITIONS Alkali Metals. Those metals whose hydroxides are very strong alkalies. Group I elements are called alkali metals, e.g., Li, Na, K, Rb (Rubidium), Cs (Caesium) and Fr (Francium). They ar called alkali metal after the Arabic word (al-quis) meaning plant ashes. Such ashes of plants are rich in carbonates of sodium and potassium. Na and K are abundant, Li, Rb and Cs are less abundant. Francium is radioactive element. Fr has half life of only 21 minutes. Alkaline Earth Metals. Those metals whose oxides were known much carlier than the metals themselves. They were named alkaline earth metals because (i) they were alkaline in nature like alkali metal oxides, and (ii) they were found in earths crust, e.g., Be (Beryllium), Ca, Mg, Sr (Strontium), Ba (Barium), Ra (Radium). Ca and Mg are fifth and sixth in abundance respectively in the earth crust. Sr and Ba have much lower abundances. Be is rare and Ra is rarest of all comprising only 10-10 percent of igneous rocks. It is radioactive element with half life 1600 year. Diagonal Relationship. The resemblance of elements of 2nd period with diagonally situated elements of neighbouring group and third period is called diagonal relationship, e.g., Li resembles Mg, Be Li Na Be Mg B Al 17 with Al, B with Si. The cause of diagonal relationship is due to similarity in charge over radius ratio, i.e., similar polarizing power. General Characteristics of the alkali Metals. The alkali metals show regular trends in physical and chemical properties more clearly than any other group of elements. These trends are discussed below: C Si

2.

3.

4.

(i)

(ii)

(ii)

(iii)

(iv)

Electronic configuration. All these elements have one valence electron (ns1). The outermost s-electron is very well screened from the nuclear charge in these elements. They readily form M+ ions because they can lose outermost selectron to acquire stable electronic configuration. They show +1 oxidation state. Atomic and ionic size. Akali metals have largest atomic size in respective periods. Atomic and ionic size goes on increasing down the group with the increase in atomic number due to increase in number of shells. Monovalent cations (M+) are smaller than the parent atoms. Ionisation enthalpy. They have lowest ionization enthalpies in respective periods due to larger atomic size, due to which force of attraction between nucleus and valence electrons and valence electrons is less and less energy is required to remove valence electron and form M+ ion. Hence they are never found in free state in nature. Hydration Enthalpy: The HydH of alkali metal ions decreases with increase in ionic sizes Li+ > Na+ > K+ > Rb+ > Cs+ Lithium ion because of its small size has high charge density and attracts more number of water dipoles and hence get hydrated to a maximum extent. Therefore lithium salts mostly hydrated.

Second ionization enthalpy. They have very high second ionization enthalpy because after losing one electron they acquire noble gas configuration. Therefore, very high amount of energy is required to remove second electron. (vi) Electropositive character. Alkali metals are strongly electropositive in nature due to low ionization enthalpy. (vii) Metallic character. It goes on increasing from top to bottom due to decrease in ionization enthalpy which is due to increase in atomic size. (viii) Reducing properties. Alkali metals are strong reducing agents due to low ionisation enthalpies. They have strong tendency to lose electron due to lower standard reduction potentials which depends upon sublimation, ionisation and hydration enthalpies. Li is best reducing agent because of lowest standard reduction potential. It is also due to high hydration enthalpy of smallest Li+ ion. Reducing power goes on increasing from N a to Cs due to decrease in ionisation enthalpy and decrease in standard reduction potential. (ix) Flame colouration. Alkali metals and their salts impart characteristic colour in the oxidising flame because their chlorides are volatile in nature. The valence electron gets excited to higher (v)

energy level. When it comes back to lower energy level, it radiates energy which belong to visible region, e.g., Li imparts crimson red, Na imparts golden yellow, K imparts lilac, Rb imparts pinkish violet and Caesium imparts bluish violet. Hence alkali metals can be detected by flame test. (x) Photoelectric effect. Alkali metals (except Li), show photoelectric effect due to low ionisation enthalpy. K, Rb and Cs are preferred over Li and Na in photoelectric cells because of lower ionisation enthalpies. Density. Alkali metals have low densities due to larger atomic size. It goes on increasing down the group because atomic mass increases more than atomic volume. Exception. Na has higher density than K.

(xi)

Melting and boiling point. Alkali metals have low melting and boiling point due to weak metallic bonds which is due to bigger atomic size and only one valence electron. Melting points of alkali metals decrease down the group due to increase in atomic size and decrease in strength of metallic bond. (xiii) Soft metals. All alkali metals are soft and can be cut with knife due to weak metallic bond since only one electron per atom is available for metallic bond formation. Softness increases down the group due to decrease in strength of metallic bond. K is softer than Na. (xii) 5. Chemical Reactivity. Alkali metals are highly reactive metals and reactivity goes on increasing down the group due to decrease in ionisation energy. (i) Reaction with water. Li reacts with water less vigorously than Na. Na reacts with water to produce so much heat that it melts and hydrogen produced ignites in air. Other metals also react explosively withH2O. 2Li(s) + 2H2O(l) 2LiOH(aq) + H2(g) 2Na(s) + 2H2O(l) 2NaOH(aq) +H2(g) 2K(s) + 2H2O(l) 2KOH(aq) + H2 (g) In General 2M+2H2O 2M++2OH+H2 where M is an alkali metal Because of their reactivity with air and water alkali metals are normally kept under kerosene oil. Q Why does Li form normal oxide and not peroxide? Ans Because acc to Fazans Rule small cation is tsbilised by a smaller anion and vice versa and peroxide is a bigger anion. (ii) Reactivity towards air. The alkali metals tarnish in air due to formation of oxide or hydroxide on the surface. Reactivity with air increases down the group. The temperature for reactions to occur decreases down the group.

4Li(s) + O2(g) 2Na(s)+O2(g) K(s) + O2(g) Rb(s) + O2(g) Cs(s) + kO2(g)

2Li2O(s) (Lithium oxide) 2Na2O2(s) (Sodium peroxide) KO2(s) (Potassium superoxide) RbO2(s) (Rubidium superoxide) CsO2(s) (Caesium superoxide)

(iii)

Li has exceptional behaviour. It reacts with N2 to form lithium nitride. 6Li+N2 2Li3N Reactivity towards hydrogen. The alkali metals react with H2 at 673 K except Li which reacts at 1073 K to form hydrides. 2Li+H2 1073K 2Na+H2 673K 2K + H2 673K 2LiH (Lithium hydride) 2NaH (Sodium hydride) 2KH (Potassium hydride)

All metal hydrides are ionic solids with high melting point. Reaction with alcohols, ammonia and alkynes which are proton donors 2C2H5ONa +H2(g) 2C2H5OH + 2Na Sodium ethoxide 2Na(s)+2NH3(g) 2NaNH2(s) + H2(g) Sodamide HC=CH(g)+2Na(s) NaCCH + H2 Sodium acetylide HC = CH(g)+2K(g) KCCK+H2(g) Q Although lithium has the smallest atomic size amongst alkali metals but still it is the strongest reducing agent. Why? Ans This is because of its small size its hydration enthalpy in the aqueous solution is the highest which more then compensates the required I.E. (v) Reactivity with halogens. Alkali metals react directly with halogens to form ionic halides. 2Na + Cl2 2NaCl 2K + Cl2 2KCl. (iv) 6. Solution of alkali metals in liquid ammonia. The alkali metals dissolve in liquid ammonia. The solution is blue in colour but changes to bronze with increasing concentration. The blue colour is due to presence of solvated or ammoniated electron. M+(x+y)NH3 [M(NH3)x]++ [e(NH3)y] In concentrated solution, the ammoniated metal ions are bound by the free unpaired electrons which have been describe as expanded metals. The blue solutions are paramagnetic due to presence of unpaired electrons whereas bronze coloured solutions are diamagnetic. am stands for solution in ammonia. Na + + (x + y) NH3 [Na(NH3)x]+ + [ e(NH3)y] -

7.

General Characteristics of Compounds of Alkali Metals: All the common compounds of alkali metals are generally ionic in nature. (i) Oxides and Hydroxides. Lithium in excess of air forms monoxide (plus some peroxide Li2 O2). Na forms Na2O2. K, Rb and Cs form superoxdies. Pure M2O, M2O2 and MO2 may be prepared. The stability of peroxides and superoxides increases down the group. It is due to the stabilization of large cations through lattice energy effects. These oxides are easily hydrolysed by water to form hydroxides. 2Na+ +20H; Na2O+H2O K2O+H2O 2K++ 20H Na2O2+2H2O 2Na++40H; K2O2+2H2O 2K++40H 2K++20H+H2O2+O2 2KO2+2H2O The oxides and peroxides are colourless but superoxides are yellow or orange coloured. The superoxides are also paramagnetic. Sodium peroxide is widely used as an oxidizing agent in inorganic chemistry. The hydroxides which are obtained by the reaction of the oxides with water are all white crystalline solids. The alkali metal hydroxides are the strongest of all bases and dissolve freely in water with evolution of much heat. Basic character of oxides and hydroxides increases down the group due to increase in metallic character. Solubility of hydroxides in water increases down the group 1. (ii) Halides. Alkali metal halides are all high melting, coourless crystalline solids. (iii) Salts of oxo-acids. Alkali metals form salts with oxo-acids because they are highly electropositive metals. Definition of Oxoacids : Those acids in which the acidic hydrogen is on a OH group with an oxo group ( =O) attached to the same atom. E.g. H2SO4 , H2CO3. They are generally soluble in water and thermally stable. Their carbonates and in most cases bicarbonates are highly stable to heat. The stability of carbonates and bicarbonates increases down the group. Lithium carbonate is not so stable because it is covalent. Li2CO3(s) heat Li2O(s) + CO2(g) LiHCO3 does not exist as solid. It exists only in solution.

8.

Anomalous Properties of Lithium. Lithium shows anomalous (abnormal) behaviour which differs from other alkali metals.

Reason. It is due to exceptionally small size of atom and Li+ ion. That is why it has highest polarizing power (i.e., charge/radius ratio). This results in increase inc ovalent character of Lithium compounds. Higher the polarizing power, more will be the covalent character. That is why lithium compounds are soluble in organic solvents. 9. Differences between lithium and other alkali metals: (i) Li is much harder and its melting and boiling point are higher than other alkali metals. (ii) Li is least reactive but best reducing agent. (iii) On combustion, it forms only monoxide (Li2O) and Li3N (Lithium nitride) unlike other alkali metals. (iv) LiCl is deliquescent solid (absorbs water from atmosphere) and crystallizes as LiCl. 2H2O whereas other alkali metal chlorides do not form hydrates. (v) LiHCO3 exists only in aqueous solution whereas others form solid bicarbonates. (vi) Lithium does not form acetylide on reaction with ethyne. (vii) Lithium nitrate, when heated gives lithium oxide (Li2O) whereas other metal nitrates give nitrites and liberate oxygen gas. 4LiNO3 3Li2O + 4NO2 +O2 2NaNO2 + O2 2NaNO3 2KNO3 2KNO2 +O2 (viii) LiF and Li2O are comparatively much less soluble in water than the corresponding compounds of other alkali metals and soluble in organic solvents. 10. Similarities between Lithium and Magnesium: (i) Both Li and Mg are harder and lighter. (ii) Li and Mg react slowly with cold water. (iii) Li2O and MgO are much less soluble and their hydroxides decompose at red hot, e.g., 4LiNO3 heat 2LiO+H2O Mg(OH)2 heat MgO+H2O (iv) Both react with N2 to form nitrides, e.g., 6Li+N2 heat 2Li3N 3Mg+N2 (v) (vi)
heat

Mg3 N2

Both cannot form peroxides and superoxides. Carbonates of both are covalent and decompose on heating. Li2CO3
heat

Li2O+CO2;

MgCO3 (vii) (viii) (ix) (x)

heat

MgO+CO2.

Solid bicarbonates are not formed by Li and Mg. Both LiCl and MgCl2 are soluble in ethanol because they are covalent. Both lithium perchlorate Mg(CIO4)2 are extremely soluble in ethanol. Both LiCl and MgCl2 are deliquescent and crystallize from aqueous solution as hydrates, e.g. LiCl. 2H2O and MgCl2. 8H2O.

SOME MORE INFORMATION Alkali metals have low densities because of big atomic size and it increases down the group. Alkali metals impart a characteristic colour to flame. Alkali metals have metallic bonding. Down the group melting and boiling points decreases because size increases & hence strength of metallic bonding decreases. Weak metallic bonding also explains as to why are alkali metals soft. Fajans Rule A big cation can be stabilized only by a big anion. Reactivity towards air 1) 4 Li + O2 2 Li2 O Lithium oxide Na2O2 2) 2 Na + O2 Sodium peroxide 3) K + O2 KO2 Potassium superoxide Lithium forms normal oxide but not peroxide because peroxide anion is quite big & Li+ is a very small cation. Alkali metals are kept under kerosene. Basic character of hydroxides increases down the group. LiOH < NaOH < KOH < RbOH A small sized hydride ion cannot be stabilized by a big sized cation. Solutions in liquid NH3 M + (x + y NH {MCNH3}+ + {e(NH3)y}

When an alkali metal is put in liquid NH3 both the cation and the e- gets ammoniated & the solution becomes blue in colour due to the presume of free ammoniated e-. The solution is paramagnetic in nature due to the presence of unpaired electrons. Elements of 2nd period show different properties from the rest of the members of their respective groups because of 1) Because of small atomic size

2) High ionization enthalpy 3) Non-availability of d-orbital Smaller the size of the cation, more is the hydration energy released. Li is the strongest reducing agent. Li F is not soluble in water whereas LiCl is soluble. Aqueous solution of Na2CO3 is basic in nature 2 Na2CO3 + H2O NaHCO3 + NaOH Stability of alkali metal carbonates. Li2CO3 < Na2CO3 < K2CO3 < Rb2CO3 <Cs2 CO3. CO32- is a big anion which can only be stabilized by a big cation. Mg(OH)2 is a weaker base than NaOH. Be(OH)2 is amphoteric in nature as it reacts with both acids & bases. Be(OH)2 + 2 O-H Be(OH)2 +2HCl + 2HO [Be(OH)4]2- [Berrylate ion] [Be(OH)4]Cl2.

4 Li NO3 2 NaNO3

2 Li2O + 4NO2+ O2 2 NaNO2 +O2

WASHING SODA Na2CO3 1OH2O. SOLVAY PROCESS 2NH3 + H2O + CO2 (NH4)2 CO3 + H2O + CO2 NH4HCO3 + NaCl 2 NaHCO3 NH4Cl + Ca(OH)2 (NH4) CO3. 2NH4 HCO3 NHCl + NaHCO3 Na2CO3 + CO2 + H2O 2NH3 +CaCl2 + H2O

Na2CO3 10H2O 373K Na,CO3 H2O + 9H2O Sodium carbonate decahydrate. Sodium bicarbonate NaHCO3. (Baking Soda) Na2CO3 + H2O +CO2 2NaHCO3. BeCl2 BeO + C + Cl2 600 800K BeCl2 + CO.

BeH2

2 BeCl2 + LiAlH4

2 BeH2 + LiCl + AlCl3

The nitrates of alkaline earth metals decompose like LiNO3 2M(NO3)2 2MO + 4NO2 + O2

Quick Lime (CaO) CaCO3 heat CaO+SiO2 6 CaO +P4O10

CaO + CO2 CaSiO3 2 Ca3 (PO4)2

Calcium hydroxide or Slaked lime Ca(OH)2 + CO2 CaCO3 +H2O When excess of CO2 is passed milkiness disappears. CaCO3 + H2O + CO2 Ca(HCO3)2 soluble Ca(OH)2 + 2Cl2 CaCl2 + Ca (OCl)2 + 2H2O Calcium carbonate Ca(OH)2 + CO2 CaCO3 + H2O CaCO3 + 2 NaCl CaCl2 + Na2CO3 CaCO3 1200K CaO +CO2 CaCO3 + 2HCl CaCl2 + H2O + CO2 CaCO3 + H2SO4 CasO4 + H2O +CO2 Plaster of Paris 2 CaSO4 2H2O 11. 2(CaSO4) H2O + 3H2O

Limestone (CaCO3): It occurs as chalk, marble, corals, calcite, aragonite, etc. and with Mg as dolomite. It is widely used as building material and as a road aggregate. It is widely used as building material and as a road aggregate. It is used to prepare quick lime (CaO) and slaked lime Ca(OH)2 which are used in chemical, metallurgical and construction industries. Portland cement. It was first used by J. Aspdin in 1824. When mixed with water and sand the powder hardened into block that resembled the natural lime stone in the isle of Portland in England. Cement. Chemically it is a mixture of calcium silicate and calcium aluminate. (i) Raw Materials. Limestone and clay (alumino silicates). (ii) Production. Limestone and clay are heated strongly in a furnace at 1770 K to 1870K to form cement clinker. This clinker is mixed with 2-3% by weight of gypsum (CaSO4. 2H2O) so as to regulate setting time and then ground to fine powder. Portland cement contains dicalcium silicate (26%) and tricalcium silicate (51%), tricalcium aluminate (11%). (iii) Reactions. CaCO3 2CaO+2SiO2 3CaO+3SiO2

12.

13.

CaO+CO2 2CaSiO3 3CaSiO3

Similarly, calcium aluminate is also formed. 4CaO+Al2O3 + Fe2O3 4CaO. Al2O3. Fe2O3 Cement is grey coloured solid powder. It is mixe with water to form gelatinous mass with water which slowly sets into hard mass containing SiOSi and SiOAl chains. It is an exothermic process. (iv) Composition of Cement. CaO(70%), MgO(2-3%), SiO2 (20%), Fe2O3 (1-2%), Al2O3 (5%), SO3 (1-2%). For good quality cement, the ratio of SiO2 to Al2O3 should be between 2.5 to 4.00 and the ratio of lime to the total mixture of SiO2, Al2O3 should be between 2.5 to 4.00 and the ratio of lime to the total mixture of SiO2, Al2O3 and Fe2O3 should be 2:1. (v) Uses: (a) It is used in building industry. (b) It is used in concrete (mixture of gravel, cement and sand) and reinforced concrete (iron+concrete). (c) It is used in plastering and in construction of bridges, dams and building. VERY SHORT ANSWER TYPE QUESTIONS (1 Mark) 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20. 21. 22. Why are group 1 elements called alkali metals? Why do alkali metals have low ionisation energy? Alkali and alkaline earth metals cannot be obtained by chemical reduction, why? Why does ionisation energy of alkali metals decrease with the increase in atomic number? Why group 2 elements (Mg and Ca) are harder and denser than group 1 elements? Why is potassium more reactive than sodium? Why are alkali metals strong reducing agents? Why are alkali metals used in photoelectric cells? Write electronic configuration of Na(11) and K (19). Why do alkali metals have low melting and boiling points? Why do alkali metals have low density? Why are alkali metals soft? How will you prepare sodium hydrogen carbonate from sodium chloride? Potassium carbonate cannot be prepared by Solvay process. Why? Why do alkali metals not occur in free state? Why is first ionisation energy of alkali metals lower than those of alkaline earth metals? Why is second ionisation energy of alkali metals higher than alkaline earth metals? Which out of K, Mg, Ca and Al form amphoteric oxide? Which out of Na, K, Al, Mg occur as oxide in nature? Why do alkali metals give characteristic flame colouration? What happens when K burns in air? Give chemical equation. What is quick lime? How is it prepared? Complete the following

23. 24. 25. 26. 27. 28. 29. 30. 31. 32. 33. 34. 35. 36. 37. 38. 39. 40. 41. 42. 43. 44. 45. 46. 47. 48. 49. 50. 51. 52. 53.

Na and K are generally obtained by ..reduction of their molten. Na+ is isoelectronic with..atom. The ionisation energy of sodium is .than that of potassium. The alkali metal compounds are readily soluble in nature due to their When sodium carbonate is hydrolysed by water, the resulting solution is .. to litmus. The compound of Mg used as purgative is. Na+O2 CaCO3 + CO2+H2O heat 2CaSO4.2H2O .. 120oC Al2O3.2H2O + 2NaOH . Give two uses of Plaster of Paris. Also give its formula. Arrange the following in order of their increasing covalent character: MCI, MBr, MF, MI (where M is alkali metal). When is a cation highly polarizing ? Which alkali metal has highest polarizing power? Why is it that on being heated in excess supply of air K, Rb and Cs form superoxide in preference to oxides and peroxides? What happens when KO2 reacts with water ? Give balanced chemical equation. Complete the reaction: LiI + KF Name one reagent or one process to distinguish between: (ii) Be(OH)2 and Ba(OH)2. (i) BeSO4 and BaSO4 Why does Be resemble Al? The second ionization enthalpy of Ca is higher than first and yet calcium forms CaCl2 and not CaCl, why? What is meant by diagonal relationship in periodic table? What is the cause of diagonal relationship? Name the alkali metals which form superoxide when heated in air? Name the metal which floats on water without apparent reaction. Why is BeCl2 soluble in organic solvents? Starting from quick lime how slaked lime is prepared? Is this reaction exothermic or endothermic? Why do alkali metals impart colour in flame? Name the alkali metal which shows diagonal relationship with magnesium. Carbon dioxide is passed through a suspension of limestone in water. Write balanced chemical equation for the above reaction. What do we get when crystals of washing soda exposed to air? Which of the alkali metal is having least melting point? (a) Na (b) K (c) Rb (d) Cs Which one of the following alkali metals give hydrated salts? (a) Li (b) Na (c) K (d) Cs Which one of the alkaline earth metal carbonates is thermally the most stable? (b) CaCO3 (c) SrCO3 (d) BaCO3 (a) MgCO3

54.

55.

Find out the oxidation state of sodium in Na2O2.

SHORT ANSWER TYPE QUESTIONS (2 Marks) 1. 2. 3. Give two important ores each of Na and K. Give one important use of following compounds: (i) NaHCO3 (ii) Slaked lime (iii) NaOH. What is effect of heat on the following compounds (Give equations for the reactions)? (i) CaCO3 (ii) CaSO4.2H2O Explain the following: (i) Al cannot be used for storing NaOH. (a) Why does Al dissolve both in acidic and basic solutions? (b) Why do we add gypsum in final stages of preparation of cement? Why is it that even though the melting points of sodium and potassium chlorides are high, alkali metals are obtained by electrolytic reduction of their metal chlorides? Name the metals which are found in each of the following minerals: (a) Chile salt petre (b) Marble (c) Epsomite (d) Bauxite. What are the raw materials used in manufacture of Portland cement? How is it manufactured? What is composition of Portland cement? What is average composition of good quality cement? Describe in brief the manufacture of caustic soda using the Castner-Kellner cell. Compare four properties of alkali metals and alkaline earth metals. The hydroxides and carbonates of sodium and potassium are easily soluble in water whereas salts of Mg and Ca are sparingly soluble in water. Explain. What happens when exhaling is made through a tube passing in lime water? What will happen if continued exhaling is made through it? If the solution thus obtained is heated, what do we observe? Explain giving chemical reactions. Complete the following equations: (i) Ca + N2 (iii) Ca(OH)2 + NH4Cl .

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10. 11. 12.

13.

14.

(ii) (iv)

Ca+SO2 Ca+CO2

. .

15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20. 21. 22. 23.

What is dead burnt plaster? How is it obtained from gypsum? What is used for drying alcohol and non-acidic gases and why? What is the mixture of CaCN2 and carbon called? How is it prepared? Give its uses. Convert limestone to calcium carbide. What are isomorphous salts? Give two examples. Why is MgSO4 soluble in water whereas BaSO4 is insoluble in water? Which metal is present in chlorophyll ? How does this metal react with N2? Alkali metals have low ionisation enthalpies. Why is it so? Name an alkali metal carbonate which is thermally unstable and why? Give its decomposition reaction. Why are ionic hydrides of only alkali metals and alkaline earth metals are known? Give two examples. Which one of the alkaline earth metal carbonate is thermally most and least stable and why? Which out of Li, Na, K, Be, Mg, Ca has lowest ionisation enthalpy and why? Which alkali metal ion forms largest hydrated ion in aqueous solution and why? What is responsible for the blue colour of the solution of alkali metal in liquid ammonia? Give chemical equation also. Why does BeCl2 react with water to give acidic solution? Give chemical reaction. Why are alkali metals always univalent? Why are they good reducing agents? Heat of hydration of Na+ (size 102 pm) = - 397 kJ mol-1 whereas Ca2+ (size 100 mp) = - 165 kJ mol-1. Explain the difference. Why is there greater difference increase in IE2 to IE3 than IE1 to IE2 for Mg? Arrange alkali metals in increasing order of reactivity with water and give reason. Why does basic strength of hydroxides of group 1 and 2 increases down the group? Why is LiOH thermally less stable? Explain why alkaline earth metals are denser than alkali metals. Reducing power of group 2 elements increases from Be to Ba, why? Why is Li best reducing agent? Why CaO has high melting point? Why is CaF2 insoluble in water?

24. 25.

26. 27. 28.

29. 30. 31.

32. 33. 34.

35. 36.

37.

38.

Why is BeF2 soluble in water whereas other fluorides of group 2 elements are not? Why is anhydrous MgCl2 prepared heating MgCl2. 6H2O in current of dry HCl(g)? Discuss the diagonal relationship of Be and Al with regard to (i) action of alkali and (ii) the structure of their chloride. Complete the following: (i) Li + N2 (ii) Li
heat heat

39.

40.

(iii) NaNO3

(iv) B2H6 + NaH

41. 42.

What are the common physical and chemical features of alkali metals? Discuss the general characteristics and gradation in properties of alkaline earth metals. Why are alkali metals not found in nature? Explain why is sodium less reactive than potassium. Compare the alkali metals and alkaline earth metals with respect to (i) ionisation enthalpy (ii) basicity of oxides and (iii) solubility of hydroxides. In what ways lithium shows similarities to magnesium in its chemical behaviour? Explain why can alkali and alkaline earth metals not be obtained by chemical reduction methods? Why are potassium and caesium, rather than lithium used in photoelectric cells? When an alkali metal dissolves in liquid ammonia the solution can acquire different colours. Explain the reasons for this type of colour change. Explain the following: (i) Why the solution of alkali metals in liquid ammonia is blue in colour? (ii) Why alkali metals and their salts impart characteristics colour to the flame? Arrange the (i) hydroxides and (ii) sulphates of alkaline earth metals in order of decreasing solubilities, giving a suitable reason for each. What makes lithium show properties uncommon to the rest of alkali metals? Write two points of similarity in properties between lithium and magnesium. How is sodium carbonate (Na2CO3. 10H2O) prepared by Solvay process? Write the chemical equations of the reactions involved. Explain what happens when

43. 44. 45.

46. 47.

48. 49.

50.

51.

52.

53.

54.

(i) (ii) 55. 56.

Fused sodium metal reacts with ammonia Sodium hydrogen carbonate is heated.

Write down any four properties in which Be resembles with Al. (a) (b) What happens when Alkali metals are dissolved in ammonia? Complete the reaction LiNO3 heated NaNO3
heated

57.

What happens when: (a) Sodium metal is dropped in water (b) MgCl2 is electrolysed Arrange BaSO4, SrSO4, CaSO4 in increasing order of solubility in water. Explain the reason for this arrangement. Write down any four properties illustrating diagonal relationship between Lithium and Magnesium.

58.

59.