DAY TWENTY ONE

ss-Block Elements
Learning & Revision for the Day

u Group 1 Elements u Biological Significance u Compounds of Calcium

(Alkali Metals) of Na and K u Biological Significance of
u Compounds of Sodium u Group 2 Elements (Alkaline Mg and Ca
Earth Metals)

Group 1 Elements (Alkali Metals)

l
Lithium (Z = 3), sodium (Z = 11), potassium (Z = 19), rubidium (Z = 37), caesium (Z = 55)
and francium (Z = 87) are the elements of IA (or 1) group of the periodic table. These
elements because of the highly alkaline nature of their water soluble hydroxides are
known as alkali metals.
l
These elements are known as s-block elements as their last or valence electron enters in
the s-orbitals. These all are soft metals.
Electronic Configuration All the alkali metals have one valence electron ns1 outside the
noble gas core. Their general electronic configuration is [noble gas] ns1 . They readily
lose electron to give monovalent M + ions. Hence, they are never found in free state in
nature.

General Trends in Physical Properties

l
Alkali metals are most electropositive elements and on moving down the group the
electropositive character increases. Therefore, they readily lose electron to give
monovalent, M + ions.
l
The alkali metal atoms have the largest size and on moving down the group, the size of
atom increases. Low densities of alkali metals are due to their large size.
l
Alkali metals give flame test. The colour of the flame depends upon the wavelength of
radiation emitted. Caesium and potassium are used as electrodes in photoelectric cells
due to their low ionisation enthalpy.
l
Alkali metals are strong reducing agent and down the group, their reducing nature
increases.
l
Alkali metal compounds are most ionic in nature and down the group, ionic character
increases.
l
Alkali metal oxides are most basic in nature and down the group, basic character
increases.
NOTE The ionisation enthalpies of alkali metals are considerably low 4. Carbonates Alkali metals on exposure to air and
and decreases down the group from Li to Cs. moisture get converted into oxides, hydroxides and
• Hydration enthalpy of alkali metal ions decreases with increase finally to carbonates,
in ionic sizes Li+ > Na+ > K+ > Rb+ > Cs+. Therefore, Li + has H O CO
maximum degree of hydration and due to this reason lithium 4M + O2 → 2 M2O →
2
2 MOH → M2CO3
2

salts are mostly hydrated, e.g. LiCl ⋅ 2H2O.

• Mobility of their cations in aqueous medium is directly NOTE (i) Alkali metals are normally kept in kerosene oil because of
proportional to the size of cation due to poor hydration enthalpy their high reactivity towards air and water.
(ii) Carbonates of alkali metals are thermally stable except
Li+ < Na+ < K+ < Rb+ < Cs+ Li 2CO 3 which decomposes readily to evolve CO 2 on
→ heating. Due to the strong polarising action of small
Mobility
cation, Li + on the large carbonate ion facilitates their
decomposition.
General Trends in Chemical Properties
Li 2CO 3 → Li 2O +CO 2
The alkali metals are highly reactive due to their large size and
low ionisation enthalpy. The reactivity of these metals
increases down the group.
Anomalous Properties of Lithium
1. Reactivity Towards Air
l
The anomalous behaviour of Li is due to exceptionally
small size (like Mg) and high polarising power
4Li + O2 → 2Li2O (oxide) (i.e. charge/radius ratio) (like Mg) that exhibits some
2 Na + O2 → Na2O2 (peroxide) properties which are different from those of the other
M + O2 → MO2 (superoxide) (M = K, Rb, Cs) members of first group but similar to that of magnesium
l Metal peroxides are diamagnetic and sodium peroxide (present diagonally in the following group, i.e. II group).
is widely used as an oxidising agent in inorganic l
The property of showing similarity in properties with the
chemistry. element present diagonally opposite in the periodic table
l The superoxides are paramagnetic in nature because of is called diagonal relationship.
the presence of three electron bonds with one unpaired These properties are:
electron. (i) Alkali metals do not react with nitrogen except Li.
l Normal oxides of Li and Na are colourless and Heat
diamagnetic, but K2O is pale yellow, Pb2O is bright 6Li + N2 → 2Li3 N
Lithium nitride
yellow and Cs2O is orange. Na2O2 is yellow due to the
presence of small amount of superoxide because (Li metal is used as scavenger in metallurgy to remove
superoxide ion, O2− has three electron bonds with one O2 and N2 gases.)
unpaired electron. 3Mg + N2 → Mg3 N2
Magnesium nitride
l KO2 is used in space capsules, sub-marines and
breathing masks as it produces O2 and removes CO2 and (ii) Alkali metal carbonates, nitrates and hydroxides do
CO. not decompose on heating into their oxides except
2. Solutions in Liquid Ammonia The alkali metals dissolve lithium.
in liquid ammonia giving deep blue solutions which are Heat
NaOH → No reaction
conducting in nature.
Heat
M + ( x + y)NH3 → [M (NH3 )x ]+ + [e(NH3 ) y ]− 2LiOH → Li2O + H2O
Heat
The blue colour of the solution is due to the ammoniated Mg(OH)2 → MgO + H2O
electrons. The solutions are paramagnetic and on standing,
Heat
slowly liberate hydrogen resulting in the formation of amide. Na2CO3 → No reaction
1
M + + e − + NH3(l ) → MNH2 + H2 (g) Heat
Li2CO3 → Li2O + CO2
2
Heat
3. Reducing Nature Reducing power of alkali metals in MgCO3 → MgO + CO2
aqueous solution follows the trend: Li > Na > K > Rb > Cs.
Heat
The standard electrode potential (E ° ) which measures the 4LiNO3 → 2Li2O + 4NO2 + O2
reducing power represents the overall change. Heat
2Mg (NO3 )2 → 2MgO + 4NO2 + O2
M (s) → M (g) (sublimation energy)
M (g) → M + (g) + e − (ionisation energy) 2NaNO 3 → 2NaNO 2 + O 2
(iii) MgCl2 and LiCl are deliquescent and crystallises as
H+ (g) + H2O → M + (aq ) (hydration enthalpy)
their hydrates, LiCl ⋅2H2O and MgCl2 ⋅8 H2O.
 l
It is a strong alkali so reacts with acids, acidic oxides
Compounds of Sodium and amphoteric oxides to form their corresponding salts.
The compounds of sodium are industrially important therefore, Non-metals like halogens, phosphorus, sulphur, silicon,
some of them are discussed below: boron also get attacked by NaOH. It reacts with metals
like Zn, Al, Sn and Pb and evolve H2 gas e.g.
1. Sodium Carbonate Zn + NaOH → Na2 ZnO2 + H2
(Washing Soda, Na2CO3 ⋅10H2O) l
It also reacts with metallic salts to form hydroxides. It is
Preparation used in soap manufacture, purification of bauxite,
l
Sodium carbonate is generally prepared by Solvay process. manufacture of rayon etc.
2NH3 + H2O + CO2 → (NH4 )2 CO3 3. Sodium Hydrogen Carbonate
(NH4 )2 CO3 + H2O + CO2 → 2NH4 HCO3 (Baking Soda, NaHCO3 )
NH4 HCO3 + NaCl → NH4Cl + NaHCO3 Preparation
l
Sodium hydrogen carbonate crystals gets separated out. These l
Sodium hydrogen carbonate is prepared by saturating a
are heated to obtain sodium carbonate. solution of Na2CO3 (cold) with CO2 .
150° C Na2CO3 + CO2 + H2O → 2NaHCO3
2NaHCO3 → Na2CO3 + CO2 ↑ + H2O
Sparingly soluble
l
In this process, NH3 is recovered when the solution
containing NH4Cl is treated with Ca(OH)2 . Solvay process Properties
cannot be extended to the manufacture of potassium carbonate l
Its aqueous solution is alkaline in nature due to
because potassium hydrogen carbonate is too soluble to be hydrolysis.
precipitated to a saturated solution of potassium chloride. NaHCO3 + H2O j NaOH+ H2CO3
Properties l
If heated, it decomposes to give Na2CO3 and CO2 gas.
Sodium carbonate is soluble in water with the evolution of Heat
2NaHCO3 → Na2CO3 + H2O + CO2
l

considerable amount of heat. This solution is alkaline in

nature due to hydrolysis. l
It is used as a medicine to neutralise acidity in stomach.
Na2CO3 + 2H2O q 2NaOH+ H2CO3 l
It is used as a constituent of baking powder and in fire
extinguisher.
l
On passing CO2 through the concentrated solution of sodium
carbonate, sodium bicarbonate gets precipitated
Na2CO3 + H2O + CO2 → 2NaHCO3 Biological Significance
l
When solution of sodium carbonate and slaked lime is heated,
sodium hydroxide is obtained.
of Na and K
l
Na + ions are found mainly in extracellular region
Na2CO3 + Ca(OH)2 → 2NaOH+ CaCO3 (outside the cell) and play an important role in the
transmission of nerve signals. They also regulate the
2. Sodium Hydroxide (Caustic Soda, NaOH)
flow of water across cell membranes and in transport of
Preparation sugars and amino acid into the cells.
l
Sodium hydroxide is prepared commercially by the l
Prolonged sweating results in sodium ion loss in sweat
electrolysis of sodium chloride in Castner-Kellner cell
thus, it is important that Na + ions are replaced through
(or mercury cathode cell).
proper diet.
Hg
At cathode Na + + e − → Na - Hg (Amalgam) l
Potassium ions are the most abundant cations within
1 cell fluids where they activate many enzymes, which
At anode Cl− → Cl2 + e − (By product)
2 participate in oxidation of glucose to produce ATP
l
The amalgam is treated with water to give sodium hydroxide (adenosine triphosphate).
and hydrogen gas. l
Potassium ions along with sodium ions are responsible
2Na- Hg + 2H2O → 2NaOH+ 2Hg + H2 for transmission of nerve signals.
The functional features of nerve cells depend upon the
Properties sodium-potassium ion gradient that is established in the
l
Sodium hydroxide is called caustic soda because it breaks down cell. Their ionic gradients are maintained by
proteins of skin to a pasty mass. On exposure to atmosphere it sodium-potassium pumps that operate across the cell
absorbs moisture and CO2 . membranes.
2 NaOH + CO2 → Na2CO3 + H2O
 2. Carbonates Carbonates of alkaline earth metals are
Group 2 Elements insoluble in water. The solubility of carbonates in
(Alkaline Earth Metals) water decreases as the atomic number of metal ion
increases.
Be, Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba and Ra are also belong to s-block and are
l Beryllium carbonate is unstable and can be kept
called alkaline earth metals. These are called ‘alkaline earth
only in the atmosphere of CO2 . The thermal
metals’ (except Be) due to the following facts:
stability increases with increase in cationic size.
(i) Their hydroxides form alkaline aqueous solutions. l Bicarbonates of alkali metals are found in solid
(ii) Their oxides are earthen, i.e. their oxides are found in earth state whereas, bicarbonates of alkaline earth
crust. metals exist only in solution state.
3. Sulphates The sulphates of alkaline earth metals
are all white solids and stable to heat. BeSO 4 and
Electronic Configuration MgSO 4 are readily soluble in water. The solubility
These elements have two electrons in the s-orbital of the valence decreases from CaSO 4 to BaSO 4 .
shell. Their general electronic configuration is represented as The insolubility of BaSO 4 is used for detecting
[noble gas]ns2 . obstruction in the digestive system by the technique
commonly known as barium meal.
General Trends in Physical Properties 4. Nitrides All the alkaline earth metals form nitrides,
l
These are less metallic as compared to alkali metals. Radium is however among the alkali metals, only Li forms
the radioactive element of this group. nitrides.
l
The alkaline earth metals also have low ionisation enthalpies but 3Ca + N2 → Ca3 N2
these are higher than that of alkali metals.
5. Halides Halides of Be are essentially covalent,
l
The melting and boiling points of these metals are higher than hygroscopic and fumes in air while halides of other
the corresponding alkali metals due to smaller size. alkaline earth metals are ionic and ionic character
l
Except Be and Mg (due to their small size and high IE), all increases down the group.
other alkaline earth metals give flame test like calcium, In solid state BeCl2 exists in polymeric chain while
strontium and barium and impart characteristic brick red, in vapour state it tends to form a chloro-bridged
crimson and apple green colours, respectively to the flame. dimer which dissociates into the linear monomer at
NOTE Like alkali metal ions, the hydration enthalpies of alkaline metal high temperature (1200 K).
ions decrease with increase in ionic size on moving down the 6. Reducing Nature Reducing character or reactivity of
group.
alkaline earth metals increases from Be to Ba, i.e.
Be2+ > Mg 2+ > Ca2+ > Sr 2+ > Ba2+ Be < Mg < Ca < Sr < Ba.
The hydration enthalpies of alkaline earth metal ions are larger
than those of alkali metal ions.
l
Mg (ClO 4)2 is used as drying agent under the name
anhydrone. It is a strong oxidising agent. So, it is
General Trends in Chemical Properties not used with organic material.
Alkaline earth metals give all the usual reactions of alkali metals.
However, these are less reactive as compared to alkali metals in Anomalous Behaviour of Beryllium
their chemical reactions.
Beryllium due to its exceptionally small size (like Al) and
1. Reaction with Water and Acid Except Be and Mg, all high polarising power (like Al) shows similarities with
other alkaline earth metals give hydroxide with cold water aluminium, in its properties.
while Be forms hydroxide with steam and Mg with hot water.
These properties are:
Ca + 2H2O → Ca(OH)2
l
BeO, like Al2O3 , is amphoteric and covalent while
l Except Mg, other members of the group do not give H2
oxides of other alkaline earth elements are ionic and
with HNO3 .
basic in nature.
Mg + 2HNO3 (5%) → Mg(NO3 )2 + H2
l
Both BeCl2 and AlCl3 are soluble in organic solvents
l With HNO3 , Be becomes passive due to the formation of
because of covalent nature and both have a bridged
oxide layer.
polymeric structure.
l Alkaline earth metal chlorides, nitrates and hydroxides exhibit
an increase in their solubilities on moving down the group. l
Beryllium hydroxide dissolves in excess of alkali to give
MgCl2 < CaCl2 < SrCl2 < BaCl2 a beryllate ion, [Be(OH)4 ]2− just as aluminium
→ hydroxide gives aluminate ion, [Al(OH)4 ]− .
Mg(OH)2 < Ca(OH)2 < Sr(OH)2 < Ba(OH)2
l
Beryllium and aluminium ions have strong tendency to SiO2 along with the oxides of aluminium, iron and
form complexes, BeF 24−, AlF 36− . magnesium.
l
Carbides of Be are covalent and react with water to produce
l
The raw materials for the manufacture of clement are
methane gas whereas carbides of other members are ionic limestone and clay.
and produce acetylene with water. Uses
l
It is used in plostering and in the construction of bridges,
Compounds of Calcium dams and buildings.
All the alkaline earth metals form several compounds. Some l
It is used for making concrete and reinforced concrete.
industrially important compounds of calcium are given below:
NOTE The average composition of portland cement is
CaO — 50-60%; SiO 2 — 20-25%; Al 2O 3 — 5-10%; MgO —
1. Lime (Quicklime), CaO 2-3%; Fe2O 3 — 1-2% and SO3 — 1-2%.
Preparation
CaCO3 E ∆
CaO + CO2
Biological Significance
Limestone 1000°C
of Mg and Ca
Uses
l
It is used in the manufacture of CaOCl2 , Ca(OH)2 ,
l
Mg2+ ions are present inside the animal cells while Ca2+
CaC2 , glass and cement etc. ions are in the body fluids, i.e. in the extracellular region,
the same way as K + ions are inside the cell and Na + ions
l
It is used as basic lining in the furnaces. outside the cell. All enzymes that utilise ATP in phosphate
l
It is used in the purification of sugar and in water softening. transfer require Mg2+ as cofactor. In green plants,
magnesium is present in chlorophyll.
2. Limestone, CaCO3 l
Ca2+ and Mg2+ are also essential for the transmission of
Preparation
impulses along nerve fibres.
Ca(OH)2 + CO2 → CaCO3 + H2O l
In bones and teeth, Ca is present as apatite, Ca3 (PO 4 )2 and
S laked lime Milky
in enamel on teeth as fluorapatite, 2 Ca3 (PO 4 )2 . CaF2 . Ca2 +
Uses ions play an important role in blood clotting and are
l
It is used in the manufacture of quick lime, slaked lime, required to trigger the contraction of muscles.
cement, glass and washing soda etc. l
Ca2+ ions also regulate the heart beats.
l
It is used as a flux in smelting of iron and lead ores.
Comparison between the Properties of Alkaline
3. Plaster of Paris, CaSO4 ⋅ 1 H2O Earth Metals and Alkali Metals
2
Preparation Unlike the members of group I A, the chemistry of II A group
1 1 elements is not completely dominated by the chemistry of
CaSO 4 ⋅ 2H2O →∆ CaSO 4 ⋅ H2O + 1 H2O
393 K 2 2 cations.
Calcium sulphate
dihydrate or gypsum Calcium sulphate When compared with alkali metals, it is found that :
hemihydrate or
plaster of Paris
l
They are less reactive than alkali metals.
Above 393K, no water of crystallisation is left and CaSO 4
l
They are less electropositive, i.e. less metallic than alkali
(anhydrous) is [Link] is called ‘dead burnt plaster’. metals.
l
Their reducing power is much less than those of alkali
Uses metals.
l
It is used in making toys, decorative materials and casts of l
They are less basic than alkali metals.
statues.
l
The gradation in properties of these elements is not as
l
It is used in medical applications for setting fractured regular as in the case of alkali metals, because of different
bones in the right position and in dentistry. structures of their crystal lattices.
Cement The difference in properties with alkali metals is due to:
Preparation (i) Smaller size of atoms and ions.
l
Cement is an important building material. It is obtained by (ii) Stronger metallic bonds (resulting to more density and
combining a material such as clay which contains silica, hardness).
(iii) Higher melting and boiling points.
224 40 DAYS ~ JEE MAIN CHEMISTRY DAY TWENTY ONE

DAY PRACTICE SESSION 1

FOUNDATION QUESTIONS EXERCISE

1 The electronic configuration of metal M is 1s 2, 2s 2 2p 6, 3s1. 11 Consider the following abbreviations for hydrated alkali
The formula of its oxide would be ions.
(a) M O (b) M 2O (c) M 2O3 (d) MO2 X = [Li(H2O)n ]+ ; Y = [K(H2O)n ]+ ; Z = [Cs(H2O)n ]+
2 The characteristic not related to alkali metal is What is the correct order of size of these hydrated alkali
(a) high ionisation energy ions?
(b) their ions are isoelectronic with noble gases
(a) X > Y > Z (b) Z > Y > X
(c) low melting point
(c) X = Y = Z (d) Z > X > Y
(d) low electronegativity
12 The gas evolved on heating Na 2CO 3 is
3 Which of the following reacts with water at a high rate?
(a) CO 2 (b) water vapour
(a) Li (b) K (c) Na (d) Rb
(c) CO (d) No gas is evolved
4 Among Na + , Na, Mg and Mg2+ the largest particle is
13 Sodium is heated in air at 350°C to form A. Compound
(a) Mg2+ (b) Mg (c) Na (d) Na + A when reacts with carbon dioxide forms sodium
5 The ionic conductance of following cation in a given carbonate and Y . Here, Y is
concentration are in the order (a) hydrogen peroxide (b) hydrogen
(a) Li + < Na + < K + < Rb+ (b) Li + > Na + > K + > Rb+ (c) ozone (d) oxygen
(c) Li + < Na + > K + > Rb+ (d) Li + = Na + < K + < Rb+
14 When CO is passed over solid NaOH heated to 200°C, it
6 The reducing power of a metal depends on various forms
factors. Suggest the factor which makes Li, the strongest (a) Na 2 CO3 (b) H2 CO3
reducing agent in aqueous solution. (c) HCOONa (d) All of these
(a) Sublimation enthalpy (b) Ionisation enthalpy
(c) Hydration enthalpy (d) Electron gain enthalpy
15 Which one of the following is true?
(a) NaOH is used in the concentration of bauxite ore
7 The stability of the following alkali metal chlorides follows (b) NaOH is a primary standard in volumetric analysis
the order
(c) Managanous hydroxide is soluble in excess of NaOH
(a) LiCl > KCl > NaCl > CsCl solution
(b) CsCl > KCl > NaCl > LiCl (d) NaOH solution does not react with Cl
(c) NaCl > KCl > LiCl > CsCl
(d) KCl > CsCl > NaCl > LiCl 16 A sodium salt on treatment with MgCl 2 gives white
precipitate only on heating. The anion of sodium salt is
8 The main oxides formed on combustion of Li, Na and K in
(a) HCO −3 (b) CO 2−
excess of air respectively are j
JEE Main 2016 3
(c) NO −3 (d) SO 2−
(a) LiO2 , Na 2O2 and K 2O 4

(b) Li 2O2 , Na 2O2 and KO2 17 Solubility of the alkaline earth’s metal sulphates in water
(c) Li 2O, Na 2O2 and KO2 decreases in the sequence j
CBSE-AIPMT 2015
(d) Li 2O, Na 2O and KO2 (a) Mg > Ca > Sr > Ba (b) Ca > Sr > Ba > Mg
(c) Sr > Ca > Mg > Ba (d) Ca > Mg > Sr > Ca
9 The metallic sodium dissolves in liquid ammonia to form
a deep blue coloured solution. The deep blue colour is 18 Solubility of alkaline earth metal sulphates decreases
due to the formation of down the group 2 because
(a) solvated electron, e −(NH3 )x (a) they become more ionic
(b) solvated atomic sodium, Na (NH3 )4 (b) lattice energy of sulphates does not vary significantly
(c) (Na + + Na − ) (c) hydration energy decreases rapidly from Be 2+ to Ba 2+
(d) NaNH2 + H2 (d) lattice energy plays more predominant role than
10 The solubilities of carbonates decrease down the group hydration energy
due to a decrease in 19 The correct order of increasing ionic character is
(a) lattice energies of solid (a) BeCl 2 < MgCl 2 < CaCl 2 < BaCl 2
(b) hydration energies of cations (b) BeCl 2 < MgCl 2 < BaCl 2 < CaCl 2
(c) interionic attraction (c) BeCl 2 < BaCl 2 < MgCl 2 < CaCl 2
(d) entropy of solution formation (d) BaCl 2 < CaCl 2 < MgCl 2 < BaCl 2
20 Which pair of the following chlorides does not impart 30 Match the following and choose the correct option.
colour to the flame?
Column I Column II
(a) BeCl 2 and SrCl 2
(b) BeCl 2 and MgCl 2 A. Li 1. Insoluble oxalate
(c) CaCl 2 and BaCl 2
(d) BaCl 2 and SrCl 2 B. Na 2. Strongest monoacidic base
C. Ca 3. Most negative Es value among alkali
21 In context with beryllium, which one of the following
metals
statements is incorrect?
(a) It is rendered passive by nitric acid D. Ba 4. 6 s 2 outer electronic configuration
(b) It forms Be2 C
Codes
(c) Its salts are rarely hydrolysed
(d) It hydride is electron-deficient and polymeric A B C D A B C D
(a) 4 2 1 3 (b) 3 1 2 4
22 Beryllium and aluminium exhibit many properties which (c) 3 2 1 4 (d) 4 1 2 3
are similar but the two elements differ in
31 Which of the following statements(s) is/are correct?
(a) exhibiting maximum covalency in compounds
(a) Group 2 metals are denser and harder than group
(b) forming polymeric hydrides
1 metals
(c) tendency of forming chelate type complexes.
(b) Group 1 metals are less electropositive than group
(d) exhibiting amphoteric nature in their oxides
2 metals
23 Metal carbonates decompose on heating to give metal (c) The first ionisation energy of group 1 metals is more
oxide and carbon dioxide. Which of the metal carbonates than that of group 2 metals
is most stable thermally? (d) All of the above statements are incorrect
(a) MgCO 3 (b) CaCO 3
(c) SrCO 3 (d) BaCO 3 Direction (Q. Nos. 32-35) In the following questions
24 Amphoteric hydroxides react with both alkalies and Assertion (A) followed by reason (R) is given. Choose the
[Link] of the following group 2 metal hydroxides is correct option out of the choices given bleow:
soluble in sodium hydroxide? (a) Assertion and Reason both are correct statements and
Reason is the correct explanation of the Assertion
(a) Be(OH)2 (b) Mg(OH)2
(c) Ca(OH)2 (d) Ba(OH)2 (b) Assertion and Reason both are correct statements but
Reason is not the correct explanation of the Assertion
25 Which of the following statements are true about (c) Assertion is correct and Reason is incorrect
Ca(OH)2?
(d) Both Assertion and Reason are incorrect
(a) It is used in the preparation of bleaching powder
(b) It is a light blue solid 32 Assertion (A) The carbonate of lithium decomposes
(c) It does not possess disinfectant property easily on heating to form lithium oxide and CO 2 .
(d) It is used in the manufacture of cement Reason (R) Lithium being very small in size polarises
26 The solubilities of carbonates decreases down the large carbonate ion leading to the formation of more
magnesium group due to decrease in stable Li 2O and CO 2.
(a) lattice energies of solids 33 Assertion (A) Beryllium carbonate is kept in the
(b) hydration energies of cations
atmosphere of carbon dioxide.
(c) interionic attraction
(d) entropy of solution formation Reason (R) Beryllium carbonate is unstable and
decomposes to give beryllium oxide and carbon
27 Which one of the following alkaline earth metal sulphates
dioxide.
has its hydration enthalpy greater than its lattice
enthalpy? j
JEE Main 2015 34 Assertion (A) Among the alkali metals, lithium salts
(a) CaSO 4 (b) BeSO 4 exhibit the least electrical conductance in aqueous
(c) BaSO 4 (d) SrSO 4 solutions.
28 Among the following, which is insoluble in water? Reason (R) Smaller the radius of the hydrated cation,
(a) Sodium fluoride (b) Potassium fluoride lower is the electrical conductance in aqueous
(c) Beryllium fluoride (d) Magnesium fluoride solutions.
29 Which of the following on thermal decomposition yields a 35 Assertion (A) BaCO3 is more soluble in HNO3 than in
basic as well as acidic oxide? j
AIEEE 2012 water.
(a) NaNO 3 (b) KClO 3 Reason (R) Carbonate is a weak base and reacts with
(c) CaCO 3 (d) NH4NO 3 H+ from the strong acid, causing the barium salt to
dissociate.
226 40 DAYS ~ JEE MAIN CHEMISTRY DAY TWENTY ONE

DAY PRACTICE SESSION 2

PROGRESSIVE QUESTIONS EXERCISE

1 A mixture contains two moles of Na 2CO 3 and 1 mole of 9 Some of the group 2 metal halides are covalent and
Li 2CO 3 . What will be the volume of CO 2 formed on soluble in organic solvents. Among the following metal
heating this mixture and the data is converted to STP? halides, the one which is soluble in ethanol is
(a) 22.4 L (b) 44.8 L (c) 50.2 L (d) 11.2 L (a) BeCl 2 (b) MgCl 2 (c) CaCl 2 (d) SrCl 2
2 A metal M readily forms water soluble MSO4. It also forms 10 A binary salt of potassium ‘ A’ gives compound ‘ B’ when
oxide MO which becomes inert on heating. Hydroxide heated with S. Compound ‘ B’ forms white precipitate ‘ C’
M(OH)2 is insoluble in water but soluble in NaOH with barium chloride which is insoluble in [Link]. 7.1 g
solution. What is M ? of ‘ A’ gave 11.15 g of white precipitate ‘ C’. The
(a) Mg (b) Ba (c) Ca (d) Be compound ‘ A’ is
(a) KO 2 (b) K 2SO 4 (c) KOH (d) K 2CO 3
3 Mg has favourbale standard reduction electrode
potential (E °Mg2 + /Mg = −2.37 V ) but it does not react 11 Select the correct statements(s).
readily. It is because of (a) CaCO3 is more soluble in a solution of CO2 than in H2O
(a) its resemblance to Li (b) Na 2 CO3 is converted to Na 2O and CO2 on heating
(b) formation of protective oxide layer (c) Li 2 CO3 is thermally stable
(c) its oxidising nature (d) Presence of CaCl 2 or CaSO4 in water causes temporary
(d) its reaction with acids hardness
4 In group 2, the electrons are more firmly held to the 12 The charge/size ratio of a cation determines its polarising
nucleus and hence power. Which one of the following sequences represents
(a) ionisation energy of group 2 is greater than group 1 the increasing order of the polarising power of cationic
(b) atoms of group 2 are bigger than group 1 species; K + , Ca 2+ , Mg2+ , Be2+ ?
(c) reactivity of group 2 is greater than group 1 (a) Mg2 + < Be2 + < K + < Ca 2 + (b) Be2 + < K + < Ca 2 + < Mg2 +
(d) group 2 metals are less abundant in nature (c) K + < Ca 2 + < Mg2 + < Be2 + (d) Ca 2 + < Mg2 + < Be2 + < K +
5 Element A burns in nitrogen to give an ionic compound 13 0.2 g of magnesium ribbon was placed in a crucible and
B. Compound B reacts with water to give C and D. The heated with a lid on until the magnesium began to burn
solution of C becomes milky on bubbling carbon dioxide. rapidly. At the end of the experiment there was 0.3 g of a
The element A is white powder left. This result does not agree with the
(a) Li (b) Mg equation; 2 Mg(s ) + O 2 (g ) → 2MgO(s ). It can be due, to
(c) Ca (d) Be (a) some MgO may have escaped as vapours
6 On dissolving moderate amount of sodium metal in liquid (b) some Mg may not have reacted
NH 3 at low temperature, which one of the following does (c) some Mg 3N2 can be formed
not occur ? (d) All of the above
(a) Blue coloured solution is obtained 14 Choose the incorrect statement.
(b) Na + ions are formed in the solution (a) BeCO3 is kept in the atmosphere of CO2 since, it is
(c) Liquid NH3 solution becomes good conductor of least thermally stable
electricity (b) Be dissolves in alkali forming [Be(OH)4 ]2–
(d) Liquid NH3 solution remains diamagnetic (c) BeF2 forms complex ion with NaF in which Be goes with
7 The atomic radius for Li and Li + are 1.23 Å and 0.76 Å cation
respectively. Assuming that the difference in ionic radii (d) BeF2 forms complex ion with NaF in which Be goes with
relates to the space occupied by 2s-electrons. What will anion
be the % of volume of Li atom occupied by single valence 15 Dehydration of hydrates of halides of calcium, barium
electron? and strontium, i.e. CaCl2 ⋅6H2O, BaCl2 ⋅ 2H2O, SrCl2 ⋅ 2H2O,
(a) 70.0% (b) 30.0% (c) 24.75% (d) 76.34% can be achieved by heating.
8 A chemical A is used for the preparation of washing soda These become wet on keeping in air. Which of the
to recover ammonia. When CO 2 is bubbled through an following statements are correct about these halides?
aqueous solution of A, the solution turns milky. It is used (a) Act as dehydrating agent
in white washing due to disinfectant nature. What is the (b) Can absorb moisture from air
chemical formula of A? (c) Tendency to form hydrate decreases from to barium
(a) Ca (HCO 3 )2 (b) CaO (c) Ca(OH)2 (d) CaCO 3 (d) All of the above
DAY TWENTY ONE s-BLOCK ELEMENTS 227

ANSWERS
1 (b) 2 (a) 3 (d) 4 (c) 5 (a) 6 (c) 7 (d) 8 (c) 9 (a) 10 (b)
SESSION 1
11 (a) 12 (d) 13 (d) 14 (c) 15 (a) 16 (a) 17 (a) 18 (c) 19 (a) 20 (b)
21 (c) 22 (a) 23 (d) 24 (a) 25 (a) 26 (b) 27 (b) 28 (d) 29 (c) 30 (c)
31 (a) 32 (a) 33 (a) 34 (c) 35 (a)

SESSION 2 1 (a) 2 (d) 3 (b) 4 (a) 5 (c) 6 (d) 7 (d) 8 (c) 9 (a) 10 (a)
11 (a) 12 (c) 13 (d) 14 (c) 15 (d)

Hints and Explanations

SESSION 1 ∆Hf for KCl = − 436 kJ mol −1 350°C
13 2Na + O 2 → Na 2O 2
1 Electronic configuration indicates that Thus, KCl is more stable and LiCl is A
the metal is univalent (alkali metal). Its least stable. 2Na 2O 2 + 2CO 2 → 2Na 2CO 3 +O 2
oxide will be M 2O. Hence, (d) option is correct. Y

2 Alkali metals have low ionisation energy. 1

8 2Li + O 2 (g ) → Li 2O
They possess minimum value of 200°C
2
(Excess)
14 NaOH+ CO → HCOONa
ionisation energy in their period due to Solid Sodium formate
their large sizes. 2Na + O 2 (g )→ Na 2O 2 15 NaOH is used in concentration of
3 Rb being most electropositive has the bauxite ore. Impure bauxite is treated
K + O 2 (g ) → KO 2
(Excess)

highest reactivity towards water. with NaOH with which it forms water
9 Na 1 Na (in liq. NH3 ) + e −
+
(Excess)
soluble sodium meta aluminate
4 Atomic radii of alkali metals are largest
in the corresponding period. Moreover, e − + xNH3 → e(NH3 )−x complex.
Ammonia solvated 420-425K
size of monovalent alkali metal ion is Al 2O 3 ⋅ 2H2O + 2NaOH →
electron
always smaller than its parent atom.
Thus, Na is the largest particle among 10 Solubilities of carbonates decrease 2NaAlO 2 + 3H2O
the given metals. down the group because lattice energy Impurities such as Fe 2O 3Sodium
, TiO 2meta
and
aluminate
decrease is almost constant while silica are left behind.
5 Conductance of cation in aqueous
solution is dependent upon its hydrates decrease in hydration energy happens Pure alumina is recovered from
size as ionic conductance sharply. solution.
∝
1 Finally difference of hydration energy
. Thus, ionic NaAlO 2 + 2H2O → Al(OH)3 + NaOH
ionic size of hydrate ion and lattice energy decreases, thus
∆
conductance in aqueous solution solubility decreases. 2Al(OH)3 → Al 2O 3 + 2H2O
increases in the order 11 All alkali metal salts are soluble in water. ∆
Li + <Na + <K + <Rb + . This is because The degree of hydration depends upon 16 2NaHCO 3 + MgCl 2 →
the size of hydrated ion is minimum for
the size of the cation. Smaller the size of
Rb + among given hydrates alkali metal (Mg(HCO 3 )2 + 2NaCl
cation, greater is its charge density and
ions. White ppt.
hence, greater is its tendency to 17 Mg > Ca > Sr > Ba
6 Hydration enthalpy of Li+ is highest withdraw electrons from molecules This is because down the group the
among all other alkali metal due to its which are thus polarised. Li + ion being hydration energies of cations
smaller size. Therefore, Li + acts as a smallest in size among alkali metal ions decreases.
strong reducing agent. is the most extensively hydrated while 18 Due to very large size of sulphate ions,
7 Stability of a compound depends upon Cs + ion being the largest alkali metal the magnitude of lattice energy of
its enthalpy of formation ∆Hf . The more ion is the least hydrated. The size of alkaline earth metal sulphates remains
negative value of ∆Hf shows more hydrated alkali ions is as almost constant. While the hydration
stability of a compound. Li + > Na + > K + > Rb + > Cs + . energy decreases rapidly down the
∆Hf for LiCl = − 408.8 kJ mol −1, group. Thus, their solubility is governed
Hence, the correct order is X > Y > Z.
∆Hf for NaCl = − 412.5 kJ mol −1 by only hydration energy which
12 On heating Na 2CO 3 , no gas is evolved. decreases from Be 2+ to Ba 2+ .
∆Hf for CsCl = − 433 kJ mol −1,
19 Larger the size of the cation, smaller the 27 As we move down the group, size of under the influence of electric field
polarising power and thus larger the metal increases. Be has lower size while (poorest conductor).
ionic nature. SO 2−
4 has bigger size, that’s why BeSO 4 35 Both Assertion and Reason are correct
Size (cation) Be 2 + < Mg 2 + < Ca + < Ba 2+ breaks easily and lattice energy and Reason is the correct explanation
Ionic nature becomes smaller but due to smaller of the Assertion. BaCO 3 is more soluble
BeCl 2 < MgCl 2 < CaCl 2 < BaCl 2
size of Be, water molecules are in HNO 3 than in water as CO 2–
3 reacts
gathered around and hence, hydration with H+ to form HCO −3 that causes
20 Among the alkaline earth metals, the energy increases. On the other hand, BaCO 3 to dissociate more than it would
size of beryllium and magnesium rest of the metals, i.e. Ca, Ba, Sr have do in water.
metals is very small. Therefore, the bigger size and that’s why lattice energy
electrons in these metals are bounded is greater than hydration energy.
more strongly and are not excited by
SESSION 2
the energy of flame to higher energy 28 The fluorides of alkaline earth metals 1 Decomposition of Li 2CO 3
states. except beryllium fluoride are insoluble in ∆ → Li O +CO
water because of high hydration energy Li 2CO 3   2 2
Hence, these metals or their salts do 1 mol 22.4 L
not impart any colour to the flame. of small Be 2+ ion. Hence, magnesium
fluoride is insoluble in water. Na 2CO 3 is thermally stable, i.e. it
21 Due to small size and high hydration doesn’t give CO 2 gas on heating.
∆
energy of Be 2+ ions, its salts are easily 29 (a) 2NaNO 3  → 2NaNO 2 + O 2
Hence, volume of CO 2 formed on
hydrolysed. ∆
(b) 2 KClO 3  → 2 KCl + 3O 2 heating the mixture at STP is 22.4 L.
22 Be (Z = 4) has maximum covalency of ∆
(c) CaCO 3  → CaO + CO 2
Basic 2 On moving down, water solubility of
four while Al (Z =13) has maximum Acidic
∆ alkaline earth metal decreases. Oxides
covalency of 6. (d) NH4NO 3 → N2O + H2O
Neutral Neutral of Be is amphoteric hence soluble in
23 BaCO 3 is thermally most stable because NaOH.
of the small size of resulting oxide ion. 30 A → 3, B → 2, C → 1, D → 4
H O
BeO → Be(OH)2 →
NaOH
With the increase in atomic number, the 31 (a) Group 2 metals are denser and 2

size of the metal ion, the stability of the harder than group 1 metals. Thus Insoluble
statement is correct. Na 2 [Be(OH)4 ]
metal ion decreases and, hence that of
(b) Group 1 metals are more Soluble
carbonate increases, i.e. from Be to Ba. 3 It is because of protective oxide (MgO)
electropositive than group 2 metals.
Therefore, the increasing size of cation Thus statement is incorrect. layer, which makes it unreactive.
destabilises the oxides and hence, (c) The first ionisation energy of group 2
4 Since the electrons are more tightly held
does not favour the decomposition of metals is more than that of group 1
metals. Thus, statement is incorrect. to the nucleus, because of its small
heavier alkaline earth metal carbonates
like BaCO 3 . size, thus it is difficult to remove the
32 The thermal stability of carbonates electrons and hence more energy is
24 The solubility of hydroxides of alkaline increases down the group. Hence, required.
earth metals increases from Be to Ba, in Li 2CO 3 is least stable.
water. 5 Carbon dioxide turns only lime water
Due to small size of Li + , strong
milky. Thus, the compound C must be
Due to high hydration enthalpy and polarising power distorts the electron
high lattice energy, Be(OH)2 is not Ca(OH)2 and the element A must be Ca.
cloud of CO 2−
3 ion. High lattice energy of The reactions are as follows:
soluble in water.
Li 2O than Li 2CO 3 also favours the
25 Calcium hydroxide is used in the 3Ca + N2 → Ca 3N2
decomposition of Li 2CO 3 . A B
manufacturing of bleaching powder.
2Ca(OH)2 + 2Cl 2 →
33 BeO is more stable than BeCO 3 due to Ca 3N2 + 6H2O → 3Ca(OH)2 +2NH3
B C D
Slaked lime
CaCl 2 + Ca(OCl)2 + 2H2O small size and high polarising power of
Bleaching Be 2+ . Ca(OH)2 + CO 2 → CaCO 3 + H2O
powder C Milky
As BeCO 3 is unstable and BeO is more
26 The solubilities of carbonates stable thus, when BeCO 3 is kept in an 6 The alkali metals dissolve in liquid
decreases down the magnesium group atmosphere of CO 2 , a reversible ammonia giving deep blue solution
due to decrease in hydration energy process takes place and stability of which are conducting in nature.
because hydration energy inversely BeCO 3 increases. M + ( x + 2 y) NH3 → [M(NH3 ) x ]2 +
proportional to ionic size. As the size (Deep blue)
increases, hydration enthalpy of metal BeCO 3 h BeO + CO 2
+ 2 [e − (NH3 )y ]−
ions decreases from Mg 2+ to Ba 2+ . 34 Li + ion being largest in size becomes
highly hydrated, hence moves slowly
 7 Volume occupied by Li + 11 (a) CaCO 3 + H2O + CO 2 → Ca(HCO 3 )2
4 Soluble
= π × (0.76 × 10−8 ) 3 ∆ No effect
(b) Na 2CO 3 →
3
Volume occupied by Li ∆ Li O + CO (even at room temperature)
(c) Li 2CO 3 → 2 2
4
= π × (1.23 × 10−8 ) 3 (d) Temporary hardness is due to soluble carbonates and
3
bicarbonates.
∴Volume occupied by 2s-electron
4 12 Smaller the size of cations, larger the charge, larger the
. )3 ] × (10−8 )3
= π × [(1.23)3 − (076
3 polarising power of the cations.
∴% volume occupied by 2s-electron of Li- atom Be 2+ Mg 2+ Ca 2+ K+
4
. )3 } × (10−8 )]3
π × [{(1.23)3 } − (076 Z (atomic number) 4 12 20 19
= 3 × 100 Charge +2 +2 +2 +1
4
π × [1.23 × 10−8 ]3 Size Be 2 + < Mg 2 + < Ca 2 + < K +
3
=
142
.
× 100 = 76.34% Polarising power Be 2 + > Mg 2 + > Ca 2 + > K +
(1.23)3
13 2Mg(s ) + O 2 (g ) → 2MgO
2 × 24 g 2 × 40 g
8 For the recovery of ammonia, Ca(OH)2 is used during the
preparation of washing soda. 48 g of Mg gives = 80 g of MgO
80
Ca(OH)2 + CO 2 → CaCO 3 + H2O 0.2 g of Mg gives = × 0.2 = 0.33 g of MgO
A Milky 48
But residue left = 0.30. It is due to all of the given options.
9 Ethanol is an organic compound, i.e. of covalent character. As
we know ‘‘like dissolves like’’. So, to dissolve in ethanol the 14 BeF2 + 2NaF → 14243 + 1
2Na +
BeF42 −
compound should have more covalent character. Beryllium
424 3
Cation Anion
halides have covalent character due to small size and high
effective nuclear charge. Hence, BeCl 2 is most covalent Thus, (c) is incorrect (Be goes with anion).
among all other chlorides. 15 Chlorides of alkaline earth metals are hydrated salts. Due to
∆ their hygroscopic nature, they can be used as a dehydrating
10 2 KO 2 + S → K 2SO 4 , K 2SO 4 + BaCl 2 → BaSO 4 ↓ + 2KCl agent, to absorb moisture from air.
142 g B B 223 g
A C Extent of hydration decreases from Mg to Ba, i.e.
Q 142 g KO 2 gives = 223 g BaSO 4 MgCl 2 ⋅ 6H2O, CaCl 2 ⋅ 6H2O, SrCl 2 ⋅ 2H2O, BaCl 2 ⋅ 2H2O
223
∴ 7.1 g KO 2 will give = × 7.1= 11.15 g BaSO 4
142