Sri Chaitanya IIT Academy.

, India
A.P, TELANGANA, KARNATAKA, TAMILNADU, MAHARASHTRA, DELHI, RANCHI
A right Choice for the Real Aspirant
ICON Central Office – Madhapur – Hyderabad
s- Block Elements
Alkali Metals (IA Group Elements)
a) General introduction of alkali metals
1. Occurrence:
Alkali metals are not found in Free State in nature due to their high reactivity.
2. Abundance:
Among the alkali metals sodium and potassium are abundant and lithium, rubidium and
caesium have much lower abundances.
Order: Na  K  Rb  Li  Cs
3. Isotopes of alkali metals:
Francium is highly radioactive; its longest-lived isotope 223Fr has a half-life of only 21
minutes.
4. Electronic configuration of alkali metals:

Element Symbol Electronic configuration

Lithium Li 1s 2 2s1
Sodium Na 1s 2 2s 2 2 p 6 3s1
Potassium K 1s 2 2s 2 2 p 6 3s 2 3 p 6 4s1
Rubidium Rb 1s 2 2s 2 2 p 6 3s 2 3 p 6 3d 10 4s 2 4 p 6 5s1
Caesium Cs 1s 2 2s 2 2 p 6 3s 2 3 p 6 3d 10 4s 2 4 p 6 4d 10 5s 2 5 p 6 6s1 or [ Xe]6s1
Francium Fr [ Rn]7 s1
5. Atomic and ionic radii order:
Li  Na  K  Rb  Cs
6. Ionization energy order:
Li  Na  K  Rb  Cs
7. Electro Positivity order:
Li  Na  K  Rb  Cs
8. Metalic character of alkali metals order:
Page 1 of 100
 Li  Na  K  Rb  Cs
9. Electro Negativity order:
Li  Na  K  Rb  Cs
[Link] affinity order:
Li  Na  K  Rb  Cs
[Link] state of alkali metals:
Alkali metals are soft solids and softness increases down the group.
[Link] of atomization order:
Li  Na  K  Rb  Cs
[Link] of alkali metal:
Li  K  Na  Rb  Cs
[Link] in aqueous state:
Li   Na   K   Rb   Cs 
15. Conductance in molten state:
Li   Na   K   Rb   Cs 
[Link] heat order:
Li  Na  K  Rb  Cs
[Link] state and Valency of alkali metals:
Common oxidation state is +1, and they can form one bond Valency of alkali metals is 1.
18 Flame color:
Metal colour Wavelength
Li Crimson red 670.8 nm
Na Golden yellow 589.2 nm
K violet 766.5 nm
Rb Red violet 780.0 nm
Cs Blue 455.5 nm

[Link] Enthalpy
The hydration enthalpies of alkali metal ions decrease with increase in ionic sizes.
Li   Na   K   Rb   Cs 
Li+ has maximum degree of hydration and for this reason lithium salts are mostly hydrated.
E.g: LiCl.2H2O
[Link] Reduction potential Eo/V for (M+/M):
Li has highest standard oxidation potential (+3.05 eV) due to its high hydration energy.
Such that it converts into. Li + ion by losing one electron.
Order: Li  Rb  Cs  K  Na
Order of standard oxidation potential of s - block element
Li  K  Ba  Sr  C a  Na  M g  Be

Page 2 of 100
21. M. P/K and B.P/K:
Li  Na  K  Rb  Cs
[Link] towards water:
Li  Na  K  Rb  Cs
[Link] towards hydrogen
Cs  Rb  K  Na  Li
b) Chemical properties of alkali metals.
i) Order of Reactivity towards oxygen:
Li  Na  K  Rb  Cs
ii) Oxides(O-2):Lithium forms monoxide  Li 2O  top to bottom decreases. Oxides are
Díamagnetic nature.
Li 2O, Na2O are color less solids,
K 2O (Pale yellow),
Rb 2O (Deep Yellow),
Cs2O (orange)
iii) Peroxide(O2-2):
Sodium forms peroxide  Na 2O 2  . Peroxides are Día magnetic nature
iv) Super oxide(O2-):
K, Rb, Cs forms superoxide KO2 , RbO2 , CsO2
Thermal stability order of super oxide: KO2  RbO2  CsO2
Super oxides are para magnetic nature and exhibit color having odd electron bond.
KO 2  orange  , RbO 2  brown  ,CsO 2  orange 
Example: KO2 is paramagnetic because of one unpaired electron in π*2p
molecular orbital
v) Physical Properties:
The oxides and peroxides are colorless and diamagnetic. While superoxides
are yellow or orange in colorand paramagnetic.

Vi) Chemical properties:

M 
O2
 M 2O 
O2
 M 2O2 
O2
 MO2
M 2O  H 2O  M  OH 
M 2O 2  H 2O  M  OH   H 2O2
MO 2  H 2 O  M  OH   H 2 O2  O 2
Basic nature of Oxides order: Li2O  Na 2O  K 2O  Rb2O  Cs2O
2) Reaction with Nitrogen:
Page 3 of 100
 Li reacts with nitrogen directly to form Li3 N.
3) Reaction with Air:
M  moist air O2  M 2O  H2O  MOH  CO2  M 2CO3
M  dry air O2  M 2O  M3 N
4) Reaction with water:
M  H 2O  MOH  H2
i) Order of reactivity of with water:
Li decomposes water slowly. Nareactswith water quickly and remaining
vigorously.
Cs  Rb  K  Na  Li
ii) Basic nature of hydroxides order:
LiOH  NaOH  KOH  RbOH  CSOH.
iii) Solubility of hydroxide order:
LiOH  NaOH  KOH  RbOH  CsOH
iv) Thermal stability of hydroxides order:
LiOH  NaOH  KOH  RbOH  CsOH
5) Reaction of alkali metal with compound containing acidic hydrogen:
i) Reaction of alkali metal with compound containing acidic hydrogen:
2Na  CH  CH  NaC  CNa  H 2
2M  2 NH 3  2MNH 2  H 2
ii) Organo metallic compounds of alkali metals:
alkyl Lithium ( R  Li  ), Sodium acetylide ( R  C  C  Na )
6. Reaction of alkali metals with acids:
alkali metal reacts with acid to form alkali metal salt and liberate hydrogen gas
1
HX  M  MX  H2
2
7. Reaction of alkali metals with hydrogen:
alkali metals react with dihydrogen at about 673K (lithium at 1073K) to form hydrides. All the
alkali metal hydrides are ionic solids with high melting points.
2M  H 2  2M  H 
However, the ease with which they do so decreases from lithium to cesium. These hydrides
contain the H ion (which is not commonly found, since hydrogen usually forms H+ ions).
It can be proved that H ions exist because on electrolysis hydrogen is liberated at the
anode
i. Order of reactivity of alkali metals with hydrogen:

Page 4 of 100
Decreases as we move down the group from Li to [Link] is due to that the lattice energys of
these hydrides decreases progressively as the size of metal cation increases
ii. Stability of hydrides of alkali metals with hydrogen:
LiH  NaH  KH  RbH  CsH
8. Reactions of alkali metals with halogens:
The alkali metals readily react vigorously with halogens to form ionic halides, M  X – . However,
lithium halides are somewhat covalent. It is because of the high polarisation capability of
lithium ion (The distortion of electron cloud of the anion by the cation is called
polarization). The Li+ ion is very small in size and has high tendency to distort electron
cloud around the negative halide ion. Since anion with large size can be easily distorted,
among halides, lithium iodide is the most covalent in nature.
i. Reactivity order of alkali metals with halogens:
All metals form fluorides, chlorides, bromides and iodides. The reactivity of the alkali metals
increases as their (IE) decreases giving reactivity order: Cs > Rb > K > Na > Li
ii. Physical properties of alkali halides:
 The alkali metal halides, MX, (X=F,Cl,Br,I) are all high melting,
 colorless crystalline solids
 All of these halides have high negative enthalpies of formation; the ΔfH0 values for
fluorides become less negative as we go down the group, whilst the reverse is true for ΔfH0
for chlorides, bromides and iodides.
 For a given metal ΔfH0always becomes less negative from fluoride to iodide.
 The melting and boiling points always follow the trend:
Fluoride > chloride > bromide > iodide.
 All these halides are soluble in water.
 The low solubility of LiF in water is due to its high lattice enthalpy
 low solubility of CsI is due to smaller hydration enthalpy of its two ions.
 Other halides of lithium are soluble in ethanol, acetone and ethylacetate;
 LiCl is soluble in pyridine .
iii) Ionic or covalent nature of alkali metal halides:
 Li halides are covalent remaining alkali metal halides are ionic
 Ionic character: · LiCl  NaCl  KCl  RbCl  CsCl Covalent character:
· LiCl  LiBr  Lil
 LiI is most covalent among the alkali metal halides.
iv) Stability of alkali metal halides:
Stability of alkali metal halide depends on the standard enthalpy of [Link] the
group decreases.
LiCl  NaCl  KCl  RbCl  CsCl
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v) Lattice enthalpies of alkali metal halides:
MF  MCl  MBr  MI
LiF  NaF  KF  RbF  CsF
vi) Solubility of alkali metal halides:
· LiF  NaF  RbF  KF  CsF
· LiCl  CsCl  RbCl  NaCl  KCl
· LiBr  NaBr  KBr  RbBr  CsBr
· NaI  LiI  KI  RbI  CsI
KCl is less soluble than NaCl. Due to the difference in lattice energy between NaCl and KCl is
67 kJ mol−1, and yet the difference in ∆G(hydration) for Na+ and K+ is 76 kJ mol−1
vii) Poly halides of alkali metals:alkali metal halides react with the halogens and interhalogen
compounds forming ionic polyhalide compounds:
KI  I 2  K  I3 
KBr  ICl  K  BrICl 
KF  BrF3  K  BrF4 
CsBr  Br2  CsBr3  Cs   Br3
9. Solubility in liquid ammonia:
The alkali metals dissolve in liquid ammonia giving deep blue solutions which are conducting in
nature.

M  ( X  Y ) NH 3   M ( NH 3 ) x   e( NH 3 ) y 


The solutions are paramagnetic and on standing slowly liberate hydrogen resulting in the
formation of amide.
1
M  ( am )  e   NH 3 (l )  MNH 2( am )  H2 (g)
2
The blue colour of the solution is due to the ammoniated electron
(where ‘am’ denotes solution in ammonia.) In concentrated solution, the blue colour
changes to bronze colour and becomes diamagnetic.
i. Solubility order of alkali metals in ammonia: Li  Na  K
ii. Cause of color of alkali metals in ammonia:The blue colour of the solution is due to the
ammoniated electron which absorbs energy in the visible region of light and thus
imparts blue colour to the solution.
10. Alkali metal carbonates
i) Formation of alkali metal carbonates:
alkali metal hydroxides react with CO2 giving alkali metal carbonte.
Alkali metal carbonates are the salts of carbonic acid.

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ii) Chemical reactivity of alkali metal carbonates:Lithium carbonate is not so stable to heat;
lithium being very small in size polarises a large CO32– ion leading to the formation of more
stable Li2O and CO2.
M 2CO3  H 2O  CO2  2MHCO3
M 2CO3  2 HCl  2MCl  H 2O  CO2
 373 k
Na2CO3 .10 H 2O 
373 K
 Na2CO3 .H 2O   Na2CO3
Na2CO3  2 H 2 O  H 2CO3  2 Na   2OH 
ii) Stability order of alkali metal carbonates:
Li₂CO3  Na 2CO3  K 2CO3  Rb2CO3  Cs2CO3
iii)Solubility of alkali metal carbonates:
The solubility of carbonates in water increases as the atomic number of the metal ion
increases
Li 2 CO3  Na 2CO3  K 2CO3  Rb 2 CO 3  Cs 2CO 3
iv) Ionic or covalent nature of alkali metal carbonates:
Ionic nature order:
Li₂CO3  Na 2CO3  K 2CO3  Rb2CO3  Cs2CO3
11. Alkali metal bi-carbonates:
i) Formation of bicarbonates:Lithium hydrogencarbonate is not obtained in the solid form
while all other elements form solid hydrogencarbonates.
M 2CO3  H 2O  CO2  2MHCO3
ii) Chemical reactivity of alkali metal bi-carbonates:No other metals form solid bicarbonates,
though NH4HCO3 also exists as a solid. Bicarbonates evolve carbon dioxide and turn into
carbonates on gentle warming. This is one test for bicarbonates in qualitative analysis. The
crystal structures of NaHCO3 and KHCO3 both show hydrogen bonding, but are different. In
NaHCO3 the HCO3− ions are linked into an infinite chain, whilst in KHCO3 a dimeric anion
is [Link] heating bi carbonates decomposes into carbonates and evolution of CO 2
2MHCO3  M 2CO3  H 2O  CO2
MHCO3  HCl  MCl  H 2O  CO2
iii) Stability order of alkali metal bi-carbonates:
NaHCO3  KHCO3  RbHCO3  CsHCO3
(LiHCO3 does not exist in solid state.)
iv) Solubility of alkali metal bi-carbonates:
Bicarbonates are soluble in water.
LiHCO3 < NaHCO3 < KHCO3 < RbHCO3 < CsHCO3
v) Ionic or covalent nature of alkali metal bi-carbonates:
Ionic Nature order: NaHCO3  KHCO3  RbHCO3  CsHCO3
Page 7 of 100
12. Alkali metal nitrates:
Alkali metals forms MNO3 type nitrates (M – alkali metal)
i) Formation of nitrates of alkali metal nitrates:
The nitrates can all be prepared by the action of HNO3 on the corresponding carbonate or
hydroxide.
2HNO3  K 2CO3  2KNO3  CO2  H 2O
ii) Chemical reactivity of nitrates of alkali metal nitrates:
Lithium nitrate when heated gives lithium oxide, Li2O, whereas other alkali metal nitrates
decompose to give the corresponding nitrite.
4LiNO3  2Li2O  4 NO2  O2
2 NaNO3  2 NaNO2  O2
iii) Stability order of alkali metal nitrates:
LiNO3  NaNO3  KNO3  RbNO3  CsNO3
iv)Solubility of alkali metal nitrates:Soluble in Water.
LiNO3  NaNO3  KNO3  RbNO3  CsNO3
v) Ionic or covalent nature-alkali metal nitrates:
Ionic nature order: LiNO3  NaNO3  KNO3  RbNO3  CsNO3
13. Alkali metal sulphates:Alkali metals forms M2SO4 type sulphates.
i) Formation of alkali metal sulphate:
alkali metal hydroxides or carbonates are treated with H2SO4 to give alkali metal sulphates.
2 MOH  H 2 SO4  M 2 SO4  2 H 2O
M 2CO3  H 2 SO4  M 2 SO4  H 2O  CO2
ii) Stability order of alkali metal sulphates:
iii) Solubility of alkali metal sulphates:
Li2SO4 in soluble and remaining alkali metal sulphates are soluble
iv) Chemical reactivity of Sulphates of alkali metal sulphates:
 These sulphates on burning with C forms Sulphides.
M2SO4  4C  M2S  4CO
 Except lithium, sulphates of IA group react with
sulphates of trivalent metals like Fe +3, Cr+3, Al+3 etc. gives double salts called alum.
I III
Alum formula: M2SO4 .M2 (SO4 )3 .24H2O
v)Ionic or covalent nature of alkali metal sulphates:
All alkali metal sulphates are ionic. Ionic properties increase from Li to Cs.
Li2SO4  Na 2SO4  K 2SO4  Rb2SO4  Cs2SO4

Page 8 of 100
 Glauber’s salt: Na2SO4.10H2O
14. Anomalous behavior of lithium:The anomalous behavior of Li is due to the exceptionally
small size, and Highpolarizing power.
(i)Lithium is much harder. Its M.p. and B.p. are higher than the other alkali metals.
(ii) Lithium is least reactive but the strongest reducing agent among all the alkali
[Link] combustion in air it forms mainly monoxide, Li2O and the nitride,
Li3N unlike other alkali metals.
(iii) LiCl is deliquescent and crystallizes as a hydrate, LiCl.2H2O whereas other alkali
metal chlorides do not form hydrates.
(iv) Lithium hydrogen carbonate is not obtained in the solid form while all other
elements form solid hydrogen carbonates.
(v) Lithium unlike other alkali metals forms no ethynide on reaction with ethyne.
(vi) Lithium nitrate when heated gives lithium oxide Li 2O. whereas other alkali metal
nitrates decompose to give the corresponding nitrite
4 LiNO3  2 Li2O  4 NO2  O2
2 NaNO3  2 NaNO2  O2
(vii) LiF and Li2O are comparatively much less soluble in water than the corresponding
compounds of other alkali metals.
[Link] relationship-anomalous behavior of lithium:
(i) Both lithium and magnesium are harder and lighter than other elements in the respective
groups.
(ii) Lithium and magnesium react slowly with water. Their oxides and hydroxides are much
less soluble and their hydroxides decompose on heating. Both form a nitride, Li 3N and
Mg3N2, by direct combination with nitrogen.
(iii) The oxides, Li2O and MgO do not combine with excess oxygen to give any superoxide.
(iv) The carbonates of lithium and magnesium decompose easily on heating to form the
oxides and CO2. Solid hydrogen carbonates are not formed by lithium and magnesium.
(v) Both LiCl and MgCl2 are soluble in ethanol.
(vi) Both LiCl and MgCl2 are deliquescent and crystalize from aqueous solution as
hydrates, LiCl·2H2O and MgCl2·8H2O.
( c ) Extraction of alkali metals:
Extraction of sodium:
 In the electrolytic reduction method, the metal is extracted by passing electricity
through molten oxide, chloride or hydroxide of metal.
 Sodium metal is extracted by passing the electricity through the molten Sodium
chloride, it decomposes to form Sodium metal and Chlorine gas.
2 NaCl(l ) ( Molten) 
electrolysis
 2 Na( s )  Cl2( g )

Page 9 of 100
 The formation of Sodium metal and Chlorine by the electrolysis of molten Sodium
Chloride takes place at two electrodes.
 The reaction is shown as follows:
NaCl( s ) 
Heat
 Na  ( aq )  Cl  ( aq )
 At the cathode, reduction takes place, and Sodium metal is obtained.
Na  ( aq )  e  Na( s )
 At the anode, oxidation takes place and Chlorine gas is obtained.
2Cl  ( aq )  Cl2( g )  2e 
 The overall reaction is mentioned as follows:
 2 NaCl(l ) ( Molten) 
electrolysis
 2 Na( s )  Cl2 t
(g)

Extraction of potassium:Potassium is a highly reactive metal. It cannot be

extracted from its ore by a reducing agent, as it is more reactive than the
reducing agents. Hence, it is extracted by the process of electrolysis.
Potassium is prepared by the chemical reduction of KCl rather than of the molten chloride.
However, it can be prepared by carrying electrolysis of fused KOH or by electrolysis of
fused mixture of KCl and [Link] is manufactured by reducing the fluoride with
Calcium carbide at 10000C in steel cylinder.
0
2 KF  CaC2 
1000 C
 2 K  CaF2  2C
i) Down’s process:Sodium metal is manufactured by this process.
Cathode: Circular steel
Anode: Graphite
Overall reaction takes place in the cell is
NaCl  Na   Cl 
At cathode: Na   e  Na
At anode: 2Cl   Cl2  2e 
The electrolysis of pure NaCl presents the difficulties:
a) The fusion temperature of NaCl is high. i.e., 801 [Link] this temperature both sodium and
chlorine corrosive.
b) Sodium forms a metallic fog at this temperature.
To remove above difficulties the fusion temperature is reduced from 8010C to 6000C by
adding CaCl2 and KF. This is cheaper method and chlorine as aby product.
(d) Compounds of alkali metals:
1. Sodium hydroxide:Sodium hydroxide is known as Caustic soda
[Link] Gossage:Causticizing process is also known as Gossage process.

Page 10 of 100
 In this process, milk of lime  Ca  OH 2  is added to hot dilute solution of sodium carbonate
to form sodium hydroxide.
Na2CO3  Ca(OH )2  2 NaOH  CaCO3
The obtained caustic soda contains Na2CO3 and NaCl or Na2SO4 as the impurities
[Link] Lowig method from sodium:
Na2CO3 + Fe2O3 → 2NaFeO2 + CO2
2NaFeO2 + H2O → 2NaOH + Fe2O3
iii) Synthesis Nelson cell from NaCl:
Electrolyte: Brine solution (aqueous NaCl)
Cathode: U-shaped perforated steel vessel,Anode: Graphite rod
Electrode reactions: 2 NaCl  2 Na   2Cl 
At anode: 2Cl   Cl2  2e 
2 H 2O  2e   2OH   H 2
At cathode:
2 Na   2OH   2 NaOH
[Link] Castner-Kellner method:
Sodium hydroxide is generally prepared commercially by the electrolysis of sodiumchloride
in Castner-Kellner cell.
In the outer compartments:
Electrolyte: brine solution (aq NaCl)
cathode: Mercury
anode: Graphite
2 NaCl  2 Na   2Cl  (Ionization)
At anode(oxidation): 2Cl   Cl2  2e 
At cathode(reduction): Hg  2 Na   2e   Na2 Hg
Middle compartment:
Cathode: Iron rod
Anode: Mercury
Electrolyte:NaOH
At cathode: 2 H 2O  2e   2OH   H 2 
Na2 Hg  2 Na   Hg  2e 
At anode:
2 Na   2OH   2 NaOH
Physical properties of sodium hydroxide:
 Sodium hydroxide is a white, translucent solid. It melts at 591 K.
 It is readily soluble in water to give a strong alkaline solution.
 Crystals of sodium hydroxide are deliquescent.

Page 11 of 100
 The sodium hydroxide solution at the surface reacts with the CO2 in the atmosphere to form
Na2CO3It soapy to touch.
 It absorbs CO2from atmosphere. It decomposes the muscle proteins and makes the pulp.

Uses of sodium Hydroxide:It is used in

 The manufacture of soap,paper, artificial silk and a number of chemicals,
 in petroleum refining,
 in the purification of bauxite,
 in the textile industries for mercerising cotton fabrics
 for the preparation of pure fats and oils
 as a laboratory reagent.

Page 12 of 100
 Acid
Halogens(Cold) Salt + H2O
Cl2 
2 NaOH ( di ;)
NaCl  NaClO  H 2O Amphoteric
ZnO,Al2O3,PbO
oxide
I 2 
NaOH ( di ;)
 NaI  HIO
2NaOH  ZnO  Na2 ZnO3  H 2O
F2 
2 NaOH ( dil )
2 NaF  OF2  H 2O 2NaOH  PbO  Na2 PbO2  H 2O
2NaOH  PbO2  Na2 PbO3  H 2O
2 NaOH  Al2O3  2 NaAlO2  H 2O
Halogens(Hot)
Acidic Oxide
3Cl2 
6 NaOH ( Conc )
 5 NaCl  NaClO3  3H 2O Water soluble salts are formed
NaOH
2 F2 
4 NaOH ( Conc )
 4 NaF  O2  4 H 2O 2NaOH  CO2  Na2CO3  H 2O
2 NaOH  2 NO2  NaNO2  NaNO3  H 2O
with P
3 NaOH ( Conc )/ 
P4   PH 3  NaHPO2 Metal Salt
3 H 2O a)Salts of Fe+2,Ni+2,Mn+2,Fe+3
withS form insoluble hydroxide

1
FeCl3  3NaOH  Fe(OH )3  3NaCl

S8  6 NaOH (Conc)   Na2 S2O3  2 Na2 S  2 H 2O
2
b) Zn(OH ) 2, Al (OH )3, Sn(OH ) 2
form their water soluble oxosalts
with B
2 NaOH  ZnSO4  Zn(OH ) 2 
excessNaOH
Na2 ZnO2

6 NaOH  2 B  2 Na3 BO3  3H 2O

with Si
NH3Salts
2 NaOH  Si  H 2O  Na2 SiO3  2H 2 NH3 gas is produce
water glass NH 4Cl  NaOH  NaCl  H 2O  NH 3

Metals

2 NaOH  Sn  H 2O  Na2 SnO3  2 H 2 CO

HCOONa
Sn  2 NaOH  Na2 SnO2  H 2 10 atm,2000C

2. Sodium carbonate (washing soda):

i) Synthesis by Solvay or ammonia-soda:
Raw materials: NaCl, NH3, CaCO3
(a) 2NH3  H 2O  CO2   NH4 2 CO3
 NH 4 2 CO3  H 2O  CO2  2NH 4 HCO3
NH4 HCO3  NaCl  NaHCO3  NH4Cl
NaHCO3 , crystal separates out. These are heated to give sodiumcarbonate
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 2NaHCO3  Na 2CO3  CO2  H2O
(b) NH3 is recovered using Ca  OH 2
2NH 4 Cl  Ca  OH 2  2NH3  CaCl 2  H 2O
ii) Le-blanc process:
Raw materials: NaCl, H2SO4, Coke, CaCO3
NaCl  H 2 SO4  NaHSO4  HCl
NaHSO4  HCl  Na2 SO4  HCl
Na2 SO4  4C  Na2 S  4CO
Na2 S  CaCO3  Na2CO3  CaS
iii) Synthesis by electrolytic method:
In this process first NaOH is prepared by the electrolysis of brine. Then carbon dioxide is
passed through sodium hydroxide at high pressure to form sodium carbonate.
2NaOH  CO2  Na2CO3  H 2O
Physical Properties:
 373 k
Na2CO3 .10 H 2O 
373 K
 Na2CO3 .H 2O   Na2CO3
Uses of sodium carbonate:
 It is used in water softening, laundering and cleaning.
 It is used in the manufacture of glass,soap, borax and caustic soda.
 It is used in paper, paints and textile industries.
 It is an important laboratory reagent both in qualitative and quantitative analysis.
 iii) Sodium bicarbonate (baking soda): Sodium hydrogen carbonate is known asbaking
soda because it decomposes on heating to generate bubbles of carbon dioxide (leaving holes
in cakes or pastries and making them light and fluffy).
i) Preparation of sodium bicarbonate:
Sodium hydrogen carbonate is made by saturating a solution of sodium carbonate with
carbon dioxide. The white crystalline powder of sodium hydrogen carbonate, being less
soluble, gets separated out.
Na2CO3  H 2O  CO2  2 NaHCO3
ii) Uses of sodium bicarbonate:
 Sodium hydrogen carbonate is a mild antiseptic for skin infections.
 It is used in fire extinguishers.
 It Is used as medicine as an antacid.
 It is used in effervescent drink.
 It is used in the preparation of baking powder.
 Dry powder extinguisher contains sand and sodium bicarbonate.

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 Equimolar mixture of Na2CO3 and K2CO3 is called fusion mixture. It is used to convert in
soluble Salts into soluble salts.
 NaHCO3 does not give any colouration with phenolphthalein But gives yellow colour
Methyl orange indicator.

BIOLOGICAL IMPORTANCE OF SODIUM AND POTASSIUM:

 A typical 70kg man contains about 90g of Na and 170 grm of K compared with only 5 grm
of iron and 0.06g of copper
 Na ions participate in the transmission of nerve signals, in regulating the flow of water
across cell membranes and in the transport of sugars and amino acids into cells.
 Sodium and potassium, differ quantitatively in their ability to penetrate cell membranes, in
their transport mechanisms and in their efficiency to activate enzymes.
 Potassium ions activate many enzymes. Potassium participates in the oxidation of glucose
 To produce ATP. There is a variation in the concentration of sodium
 and potassium ions found on the opposite sides of cell membranes.
 Oxidation of glucose to produce ATP Blood plasma contains 143 mmol/L of Na +
 5 mmol/L K +in RBC. Concentration of N a+ ions change to 10m mol/L
 (Mechanism: Sodium-Potassium Pump)
 Concentration of K+ ions change to 105 mmol/L
 Resting animal utilises > 1/3 ATP during Sodium – Potassium pump

USES OF ALKALI METALS AND THEIR COMPOUNDS:

 White metal – Alloy of Li+ Pb.
 Li is used in thermonuclear reactions.
 Li is used in electro chemical cells.
 Sodium is used to make tetra ethyl lead (Pb (Et)4) These organolead compounds were
earlier used as anti-knock additives to petrol,
 Liquid sodium metal is used as coolant in fast breeder nuclear reactors.
 Potassium has vital role in biological system
 KCl is used as fertilizer.
 Caesium is used in photo electric cells.
 LiNO3 is used for fireworks and red-colored distress flares.
 Large deposits of NaNO3, are formed in Chile, and are used as a nitrogenous fertilizer.
 Gun powder is a mixture of KNO3, sulphur and charcoal.
 Solid LiNO3 and NaNO3 are deliquescent
 Hence KNO3 is used in gun powder
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4. Other compounds of alkali metals:
Sodium Chloride:
The most abundant source of sodium chloride is sea water which contains 2.7 to 2.9% by mass
of the salt. Crude sodium chloride, generally obtained by crystallization of brine solution,
contains sodium sulphate, calcium sulphate, calcium chloride and magnesium chloride as
impurities. Calcium chloride and magnesium chloride, are impurities because they are
deliquescent (absorb moisture easily from the atmosphere). To obtain pure sodium chloride,
the crude salt is dissolved in minimum amount of water and filtered to remove insoluble
impurities. The solution is then saturated with hydrogen chloride gas. Crystals of pure
sodium chloride separate out. Calcium and magnesium chloride, being more soluble than
sodium chloride, remain in solution. Sodium chloride melts at 1081K. It has a solubility of
36.0 g in 100 g of water at 273 [Link] solubility does not increase appreciably with increase
in temperature.
Uses :
(i) It is used as a common salt or table salt for domestic purpose.
(ii) It is used for the preparation of Na2O2, NaOH and Na2CO3 .

5. Chemical properties of compounds of alkali metals:

Uses of NaNO3:
[Link] nitrogenous fertilizer in agriculture.
[Link] the manufacture of HNO3, KNO3
NaNO3+KCl → NaCl + KNO3
Uses of NaNO2:
1) In the manufacture of organo-nitrogen compounds like azodyes.
2) As a food preservative and
3) In both qualitative and quantitative analysis.
Microcosmic Salt : Na(NH4)HPO4.4H2O
It is used for performing bead test (like borax) for detecting colored ions in qualitative analysis
CuO , 
CuNaPO4 (blue bead)

MnO, 
NaPO3 MnNaPO4 (Violet bead)

CaO, 
CaNaPO4 (blue bead)

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Pearlash, K2CO3:
Preparation:
It is prepared by Leblanc process (previous method of Solvay’s process) In this KCl from
carnallite is converted to K2SO4 which on heating with carbon and limestone gives K2CO3.
2KCl  H 2SO 4  K 2SO4  2HCl
K 2SO 4  CaCO 3  4C  K 2 CO 3  CaS  4CO 
K 2 CO 3  CaS  H 2 O  K 2 CO 3  CaS 
Properties:
It is a colourless deliquescent powdered substance, highly soluble in water. Its solubility is
highest among K and Li carbonates. Its aq. Solution is alkaline in nature.
K 2 CO 3  2H 2 O  2KOH  H 2CO3
Uses:
It is used in making of soft soaps in washing of wool, manufacturing of glass (potash glass)
Potassium Chlorate (KClO3)
Potassium chlorate melts at 345°C and decomposes at 370°C to give potassium chloride and
oxygen on further heating molten mass solidifies into a mixture of KCl and KClO 4 KClO,
then decomposes at 650°C to KCl and O2

0
2KClO3 
370 C
 2KCl  3O2
4KClO3 
 3KClO 4  KCl
0
4KClO 4 
650 C
 4KCl  8O2
Efflorescence and Deliquescence:
The salts which are crystalline in nature and are having water of crystallization on exposure to
atmosphere loses their water of crystallization partly or completely and changes to their
anhydrous amorphous state This phenomenon is called Efflorescence.
Example: CuSO45H2O, Na2SO4.10H₂O The salts which are soluble in water when exposed to the
atmosphere absorb moisture and get dissolved in it and changes to their liquid state This
phenomenon is called. Deliquescence and the salt is called deliquescent salt.
Example: KOH, NaOH, MgCl2, CaCl2etc

The salts show the above two phenomenon due to the difference in the vapor pressure of crystals
and the atmospheric humidity. Efflorescence happens when the vapor pressure of the
hydrated salt becomes more than the vapor pressure of the atmospheric humidity. The
phenomenon of deliquescence happens when the vapor pressure or aqueous tension of the

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 salt solution is very less than the vapor pressure of the atmospheric humidity. Therefore,
deliquescence is minimum in dry conditions.

EXERCISE -1
SINGLE ANSWER TYPE (PYQ)
(a) General introduction of alkali metal:
1) Which one among the following metals is the weakest reducing agent? (25th jan shift2-
2023)
1) K 2) Rb 3) Na 4) Li
Key: 3
Hint: sodium have lowest oxidation potential in alkali metals. Hence it is weakest reducing
agent amongalkali metals
2) The correct order of hydration enthalpies is (29TH Janshift1-2023)

(A) K  (B) Rb  (C) Mg 2 (D) Cs  (E) Ca 2

Choose the correct answer from the options given below:
1) C  A  E  B  D 2) E  C  A  B  D
3) C  E  A  D  B 4) C  E  A  B  D
Key: 4
Hint: Hydration enthalpies is
i) K+> Rb+> Cs+: A>B>D ii) Mg+2> Ca+2>: C > E option 4 is correct
C  E  A B D
3) Which of the following order of density is correct for IA group elements
(April 12th shift2-2023 and 25th July shift1 -2022)
(1) Li < K< Na < Rb < Cs (2) Li < Na <K< Rb < Cs
(3) Cs < Rb<K< Na< Li (4) Cs < K< Na< Rb < Li
Ans. (1)
Sol. Density increase down the group but K is lighter than Na. Order Li <K<Na < Rb < Cs
Density / g cm-3; Li= 0.53; Na = 0.97; K = 0.86; Rb = 1.53; Cs =1.90 Due to their large
size. The atoms of alkali metals are less closely pocked. Consequently, have low density on
going down the group, both the atomic size and atomic mass increase but the air mass
compensates the bigger atomic [Link] a result, the density of alkali metals increases from
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 Li to Cs.K is however, lighter than Na. It is probably due to an unusual increase in atomic
size

4) S-block element which cannot be qualitatively confirmed by the flame test

(26th June Shift 2 -2022)
(1)Li (2) Na (3) Rb (4) Be
Key: 4
Hint: S-block elements Be, Mg does not impart color of the flame test
5) The correct order of hydration enthalpies of alkali metal ions is (2019 Main, 8 April I)
1) Li+ > Na+> K+> Cs+> Rb+ 2) Na+> Li+> K+> Rb+> Cs+
3) Na +> Li+> K+> Cs +> Rb+ 4) Li +> Na+> K +> Rb+> Cs+
Key:4
Hint: Hydration Enthalpy is inversely proportional to ionic size
Li +< Na+< K +< Rb+< Cs+ - size
Li +> Na+> K +> Rb+> Cs+ - Hydration Enthalpy
6) The element having greatest difference between its 1 st and 2nd ionization energies is
(12th April morning -2019
1) Ca 2) Sc 3) Ba 4) K
Key: 4
Hint: Alkali metals have high difference in 1st and 2nd ionization energies as they achieve stable
noble gas configuration
7) Among the following, the energy of 2s orbital is lowest in (12th April evening -2019)
1) K 2) H 3) Li 4) Na
Key:1
Hint: as the atomic number increases energy of orbital decreases (become more -ve value)
Order of energy of 2s orbital is H > Li > Na > K
8) Which of the following has minimum boiling point? (April 11th shift2-2023)
1) Na (2) K 3) Rb (4) Cs

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Key: (4)
Hint: Cs has minimum boiling point as boiling point of Alkali metals decreases down the group
9) The order of decreasing ionization enthalpy in alkali metals is
(1) Na > Li > K > Rb (2) Rb < Na < K < Li
(3) Li > Na > K > Rb (4) K < Li < Na < Rb.
Key:3
Hint: down the group I.E decreases
10) For alkali metal, which of the following trends is incorrect?
1) Hydration Energy: Li > Na > K > Rb 2) Ionization Energy: Li > Na > K > Rb
3) Density: Li < Na < K < Rb 4) Atomic size: Li < Na < K < Rb
Key: 3
Hint: Density of IA metals- Li < K < Na < Rb < Cs
11) Which of the alkali metal is having least melting point?
1) Na 2) K 3) Rb 4) Cs
Key:4
Hint: Cs has bigger size, weak metallic bonding so least melting point.
12) Which of the alkali metal is having highest boiling point?
1) Li 2) K 3) Na 4) Cs
Key:1
Hint: alkali metal is having highest boiling point is Li
13) In vapor the order of reducing property of IA group elements is
1) Li > Na > K > Rb 2) Li < Na < K < Rb 3) Na > Li > K > Rb 4) Na < K < Li < Rb
14) In correct order against the property is (Advanced 2016 paper-2)
1) Density of IA metals- Li < K < Na < Rb < Cs
2) Melting point - Li > Na > K > Rb > Cs
3) Abundance of IA metals in Lithosphere- Na > K > Rb > Li > Cs
4) E0 red of IA metals- Li > Na > K > Rb > Cs
key: 4
Hint: Standard Reduction potential Eo/V for (M+/M): Li > Rb > Cs > K > Na
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15) The salt of alkali metal gives violet color in the flame test. Its aqueous solution gives a
white ppt with Bacl2 in hydrochloric acid medium. The salt is
1) K 2 SO4 2) KCl 3) Na2 SO4 4) K2CO3
Key:2
Hint: K impart violet color to the flame and SO4-2 ions produce white ppt of BaSO4 when treated
with BaCl2
16. Sodium forms Na+ and not Na2+ because:
1) Sodium contains only one electron in outer most shell
2) First ionization potential is small and the difference in first and second ionization
Potentials is large (Na+ has neon configuration whereas Na doesn’t)
3) Radius of Na2+ is much smaller than of Na+ 4) It has Argon configuration
Key:2
Hint: First ionization potential is small and the difference in first and second ionization
Potentials is large (Na+ has neon configuration whereas Na doesn’t)
17. Which of the following is lightest metal?
1) Na 2) K 3) Cs 4) Rb
Key:2
Hint: Potassium density lesser than Sodium.
18. The alkali metals are low melting. Which of the following alkali metal is expected to melt
if the room temperature rises to 30°C? [ Ncert exemplar]
(A) Na (B) K (C) Rb (D) Cs
key:4
Hint: M.P order: Li  Na  K  Rb  Cs
19. The reducing power of a metal depends on various factors. Suggest the factor which makes
Li, the strongest reducing agent in aqueous solution. [ Ncert exemplar]
(1) Sublimation enthalpy (2) Ionization enthalpy
(3) Hydration enthalpy (4) Electron-gain enthalpy
Key:3
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Hint: Li has High Hydration enthalpy
20) Which of the following alkali metal ions has the lowest mobility in aqueous solution?
1) Li+ 2) Na+ 3) K+ 4) Cs+ (JEE ADVANCED)
Key:1
Hint: Mobility depends upon the cationic size and the tendency of the cation to get hydrated.
Because Li+ has the smallest size, so it is highly hydrated and its effective size becomes
larger therefore mobility decreases in aqueous medium
21) Which one of the following halides crystallizes from its aqueous solution as hydrate?
1) LiCl 2) KCl 3) NaCl 4) RbCl
Key: 1
Hint: LiCl.2H2O
22) Correct statement about the alkali metals includes that
i) The first ionization energy decreases with increasing atomic number.
ii) An unpaired electron is present in an s-orbital
iii) Chemical reactivity increas with increasing atomic number
iv) Their ions have the electronic configurationof Noble gases.
The correct statements are
1) ii, iii 2) All are correct 3) ii, iv 4) i, ii
Key: 2
Hint: Conceptual
(b) Chemical properties of alkali metals:
21) Order of Covalent bond; (24th Jan shift1-2023)
A) KF  KI ; LiF  KF B) KF  KI ; LiF  KF
C) SnCl4  SnCl2 ; CuCl  NaCl D) LiF  KF ; CuCl  NaCl
E) KF  KI ; CuCl  NaCl
1) C, E only 2) B, C only 3) B, C , E only 4) A, B only

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22) Identify the correct statements about alkali metals. (24TH Jan shift 2-2023)

 
A. The order of standard reduction potential M  / M for alkali metal ions is

Na  Rb  Li
B. CsI is highly soluble in water
C. Lithium carbonate is highly stable to heat.
D. Potassium dissolved in concentrated liquid ammonia is blue in colour and
paramagnetic.
E. All the alkali metal hydrides are ionic solids.
Choose the correct answer from the option s given below
1)A, B, D only 2) C and E only 3) A and E only 4) A, B and E only

23) The magnetic behavior of Li2O , Na2O2 and KO2 respectively, are
(29th Jan shift1-2023)
1) diamagnetic, paramagnetic and diamagnetic
2) Paramagnetic, paramagnetic and diamagnetic
3) paramagnetic, diamagnetic and paramagnetic
4) diamagnetic, diamagnetic and paramagnetic
24) Which of the following reaction is correct? (30th jan shift 2-2023)
 
1) 2 LiNO3  2 LiNO2  O2 2) 4 LiNO3  2 Li2O  2 N2O4  O2
 
3) 4 LiNO3  2 Li2O  4 NO2  O2 4) 2 LiNO3  2 Li  2 NO2  O2
25) Statement-1: Lithium and Magnesium do not form super oxides.
Statement-2: Ionic radius of Li+ is greater than Mg2+(April 8th shift1-2023)
(1) Both statement-1 & 2 are correct.
(2) Both statement-1 & 2 are incorrect.
(3) Statement-1 is correct but statement-2 is incorrect.

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 (4) Statement-2 is correct but statement-2 is incorrect.
Key :1
Hint: Conceptual
26)The correct increasing order of the magnitude of Standard enthalpies of formation for group-
1 Halides is (April 13th shift2-2023)
1) NaI < NaF < NaBr < NaCl 2) NaI < NaBr < NaCl < NaF
3) NaF < NaCl < NaBr < NaI 4) NaCl < NaBr < NaF < NaI
Answer (2)
Hint: Halide  0 H f (kJ mol–1)

NaF – 569
NaCl – 400
NaBr – 360
NaI – 288
27) The compound which does not exist.
(April 10th shift1-2023)
1) BeCl2 (2) NaO2 (3) PbEt4 (4) (NH4)2BeF4
Key: (2)
Hint: NaO2 (Super oxide of sodium is unstable)
28) Which of the following can be used in space capsules?
1) Na2O 2) K 2O 3) Na2CO3 4) All of these
Key:2
Hint: K 2O is used in space capsules.
29) Which of the following statements is correct for? CsBr3
1) It is a covalent compound 2) It contains Cs+3 and Br ions
3) It contains Cs+ and Br3ions 4) It contains Cs+, Br and lattice Br2 molecule
Key:3
Hint: CsBr3  Cs   Br3

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30) Alkali metals react with water vigorously to form hydroxides and dihydrogen. Which of the
following alkali metals reacts with water least vigorously? [ Ncert exemplar]
(1) Li (2) Na (3) K (4) Cs
Key:1
Hint: Li less reactive due to its high I.E
31) 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 wateris due to[ Ncert exampler]
(1) Ionic nature of lithium fluoride
(2) High lattice enthalpy
(3) High hydration enthalpy for lithium ion.
(4) Low ionisation enthalpy of lithium atom
Key: 2
Hint: The low solubility of LiF in water is due to its high lattice enthalpy
32) When sodium is dissolved in liquid ammonia, a solution of deep blue colour is obtained. the
colour of the solution is due to [ Ncert exemplar] is due to
(1) ammoniated electron (2) sodium ion
(3) sodium amide (4) ammoniated sodium ion
Key: 1
Hint: sodium is dissolved in liquid ammonia; a solution of deep blue colour is due to
Ammoniated electron.
33) Which one the following metals is most commonly used in photoelectric cells?
1) Li 2) Ca 3) Cs 4) Fr (JEE ADVANCED)
Key:3
Sol: The ionization enthalpies of the alkali metals are considerably low and decrease down
the group from Li to Cs. This is because the effect increasing size outweighs the increasing
nuclear charge, and the outermost electrons are very well screened from the nuclear charge.
When alkali metals are irradiated with light, the light energy absorbed may be sufficient to

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 make an atom lose an electron. This property makes Caesium and potassium useful as
electrodes in photoelectric cells.

34) A blue colored solution of sodium in liquid ammonia at –33ºC behaves as strong reducing
agent because of: (JEE ADVANCED)
1) The formation of ammoniated sodium
2) The formation of ammoniated electron
3) The formation of sodium amide
4) The formation of sodium nitride
Key: 2
Hint: The solution of metals in liquid ammonia act as powerful reducing agents (it even
reduces the aromatic ring) because of ammoniated electron,

M  ( X  Y ) NH 3   M ( NH 3 ) x   e( NH 3 ) y 


35) Select the correct set of statements. (JEE ADVANCED)

(A) Solubility of alkali hydroxides is in order: CsOH > RbOH > KOH > NaOH > LiOH
(B) Solubility of alkali carbonates is in order: Li2CO3  Na 2CO3  K 2CO3  Rb2CO3  Cs2CO3
(C) Hydrated radii is in order: Li +< Na+< K + < Rb+< Cs +
(D) Stability of peroxides is in order, Na2O2 < K2O2< Rb2O2< Cs2O2
1) A, D 2) A,C 3 ) B,C,D 4) All
Key:1
Hint: Compare the lattice energy and the hydration energy of the cations.
(A) While going from lithium to cesium hydroxide, the decrease in lattice energy is more as
compared to that of hydration energy. So, the solubility of hydroxides increases down the
group
(D). This is because of fact that the bigger cation stabilizes the bigger anion through crystal
lattice energy.

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36) About alkali metal-liquid NH3 solution which of following statement is not true?
1) Blue colour is due to ammoniated electrons. (JEE ADVANCED)
2) Blue colour changes to bronze on dilution due to formation of metal ion clusters.
3) With an increase in concentration of alkali metals paramagnetic nature decreases due to
electron-electron combination.
4) On heating, the blue color becomes colorless due to the formation of a metal amide and
H2gas.
Key: 2
HInt: The change depicts the formation of some complex structures.
Blue color changes to bronze with increase in concentration of alkali metal due to
formation of metal ion clusters.
37) The properties of Li are similar to those of Mg. This is because. (JEE ADVANCED)
1) Both have nearly the same size
2) The ratio of their charge to size is nearly the same.
3) Both have similar electronic configurations.
4) Both are found together in nature
Key: 2
Hint: We discuss about the diagonal relation of the alkali and the alkaline earth metals over
here, wherein similarities are pointed out.
They are diagonally related because of same polarizing power, polarizing power = charge
on cation / size of cation.
38) which of these give oxide on strong heating?
1) LiNO3 2) NaNO3 3) KNO3 4) RbNO3
KeY: 1

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Hint: Lithium being very small in size polarizes a large NO3- ions leading to the formation of
oxide 4LiNO3  2Li2O  4 NO2  O2
39) Amongst the alkali metal hydrides, the most stable one is
1) LiH 2) NaH 3) KH 4) RbH
KeY: 1
Hint: Down the group thermal stability of alkali metal hydrides are decreases.
40) The compound which is coloured and paramagnetic due to the presence of unpaired
electron is?
1) K2O 2) K2O2 3) KO2 4) Na2O2
Key: 3
Hint: super oxides are coloured and paramagnetic nature.
(c) Extraction of alkali metals:
38) Sodium can be extracted from.
1) Fused caustic soda 2) Aqueous sodium chloride solution
3) Brine solution 4) Potash lye
Key:1
Hint: sodium extracted from fused caustic soda or molten NaCl
(d) Compounds of alkali metals:
39) Compound A reacts with NH 4Cl and forms a compound B. Compound B reacts with
H 2O and excess of CO2 to form compound C which on passing through or reaction
with saturated NaCl solution forms sodium hydrogen carbonate. Compound A, B and C,
are respectively. (25th Jan shift1-2023)
1) CaCl2 , NH 3 , NH 4 HCO3 2) CaCl2 , NH 4 ,  NH 4 2 CO3

3) Ca  OH 2 , NH 3 , NH 4 HCO3 4) Ca  OH 2 , NH 4 ,  NH 4 2 CO3
40) Which of the following is known as fusion mixture?
1) Na2CO3  K2CO3 2) Na2CO3  KOH 3) K2CO3  KHCO3 4) NaOH + KOH
Key:1
Hint: Na2CO3  K2CO3
41) Which of the following is used in the treatment of manic depression?
1) Li2CO3 2) Na2CO3 3) CaCO3 4) K2CO3
Key:1
Hint: Li2CO3

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42) In the synthesis of sodium carbonate, the recovery of ammonia is done by treating NH 4Cl
with Ca (OH)2. The by-product obtained in this process is [ Ncert exemplar]
(1) CaCl2 (2) NaCl (3) NaOH (4) NaHCO3
Key: 1
Hint: NH3 is recovered using Ca  OH 2
2NH 4 Cl  Ca  OH 2  2NH3  CaCl 2  H 2O
CaCl2 is by product
43) The formula of soda ash is [ Ncert exemplar]
(1) Na2CO3.10H2O (2) Na2CO3.2H2O (3) Na2CO3.H2O (4) Na2CO3
Key: 4
Hint: soda ash-Na2CO3
44) In the Caster-Kellner cell used for the manufacture of NaOH, the cathode in the central
compartment is made up of
1) Carbon 2) Iron 3) Mercury 4) Nickel
Key: 2
Hint: conceptual
45) NaHCO3 is used to remove .... of the stomach
1) Acidity 2) Basicity 3) Water 4) Chlorine
Key: 1
Hint: NaHCO3 is used as antacid to remove excess acid in the stomach.
46) In the Solvay's process the reaction
2NH4Cl  Ca(OH)2  CaCl2  2NH3  2H 2O takes place
1) Ammonia recovery tower 2) Carbonation tower
3) Saturation tank 4) Filtration unit
Key: 1
Hint: Conceptual

47) Potassium carbonate cannot be made by the Solvay process because

1) potassium hydrogen carbonate is unstable
2) potassium hydrogen carbonate is rather too soluble in water to be precipitated
3) potassium carbonate is insoluble in water
4) potassium carbonate is soluble in water
Key: 2
Hint: potassium hydrogen carbonate is too soluble to be precipitated by the addition of
ammonium hydrogen carbonate to a saturatedsolution of potassium chloride

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 EXERCISE 2
Objective Type Questions (More than one options are correct):
1. The sulphide of Na can be prepared by the following reactions
(A) 2Na  S  Na2 S (B) Na2 SO4  4C  Na2 S  4CO
1
(C) Na2O2  SO2  Na2 S  2O2 (D) Na2O  S  Na2 S  O2
2
Key:AB
Hint: 2Na  S  Na2 S
Na2 SO4  4C  Na2 S  4CO
Here C acts as a reducing agent and S can not oxidize O2-.
2) The diagonal relationship exists is between
(A) Li and Mg (B) Be and Al (C) Be and Na (D) B and Si
Key:ABD
Hint:Diagonal relationship exist between
Li and Mg
Be and Al
B and Si
3) Which pair of compounds cannot exist together?
(A) NaHCO3 (B) Na2CO3 (C) NaOH (D) NaCl
Key:AC
Hint:
NaHCO3 + NaOH  Na2CO3 + H2O
4) Chlorides of which of the following metals crystallize from an aqueous solution as
hydrates?
(A) Li (B) Na (C) K (D) Mg
Key:AD
Hint: Li and Mg chlorides cystallize as hydrate.
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5) Na2SO4 is soluble in water while BaSO4 is sparingly soluble because
(A) The lattice energy of BaSO4 is more than its hydration energy
(B) The hydration energy of Na2SO4 is less than its lattice energy
(C) The hydration energy of Na2SO4 is more than its lattice energy
(D) The hydration energy and the lattice energy have no role to play in the solubility
of a substance
Key:AC
Hint:For more soluble species hydration energy is more favourable than lattice energy.
6) Potassium iodide act as reducing agent when treated with
(A) Acidified K2Cr2O7 solution (B) An acidified KMnO4 solution
(C) A CuSO4 solution (D) A lead acetate solution
Key:ABC
Hint: Kl act as reducing agent when treated with KMnO4, K2Cr2O7 and CuSO4.
2Cu+2 + 4I– 2CuI + I2 hydration energy which is inversely proportional to size.
7) Which of the following statements is /are correct?
(A) NaHCO3 is more soluble than Na2CO3
(B) NaOH is known as caustic soda
(C) NaHCO3 is used as an antacid
(D) Na2CO3 is used in the manufacturing of soap and glass
Key:B C D
Hint:Bicarbonates when react with acid give CO2 + H2O and hence act as antacid
(anti+acid).
8) Which of the following statements is/are correct?
(A) KCl is a substitute for NaCl for patients of high blood pressure
(B) KOH is a stronger alkali than NaOH
(C) KOH is used in the manufacturing of soft soap
(D) NaOH is a non-deliquescent white crystalline solid
Key:ABC
Hint:Down the group basic character of hydroxide increases, NaOH absorb water so it is
deliquescent.
9) Which of the following statement regarding the oxides of alkali and alkaline earth metals
is / are correct?
(A) The reactivity of K2O towards water is more than that of Na2O towards water
(B) The oxides of alkaline earth metals are more basic than those of alkali metals
(C) MgO is used as a refractory material for lining electric furnace
(D) The milk of lime and lime water are two different solutions
Key:ACD
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 Hint:Down the group reactivity of oxide increases. Due to high lattice energy MgO is
used as refractory material. Limewater is Ca(OH)2 solution, milk of lime is also Ca(OH)2.
10) Which of the following statement(s) is / are correct?
(A) KOH is less strong alkali than NaOH
(B) Milk of magnesia is an aqueous solution of Mg(OH)2
(C) Mg+2 ions are not precipitated with the addition of NH4OH in the presence of NH4Cl
(D) CaO2 is less stable than MgO2
Key:BC
Hint:Milk of magnesia of an aqueous solution of Mg(OH)2. Mg+2 ions are not
precipitated with the addition of NH4OH is presence of NH4Cl. CaO2 is more
stable than MgO2.
11. The compound(s) formed upon combustion of sodium metal in excess air is(are) [IIT-JEE-
2009]
(A) Na2O2 (B) Na2O (C) NaO2 (D) NaOH
Key:AB
Hint: Conceptual.
12) The pair(s) of reagents that yield paramagnetic species is/are [JEE(Advanced)-2014]
(A) Na and excess of NH3 (B) K and excess of O2
(C) Cu and dilute HNO3 (D) O2 and 2-ethylanthraquinol
Key:ABC
Hint:Dilute solution of Na in liquid ammonia is paramagnetic.
K  O2  KO2
(excess)
O2– is paramagnetic due to unpaired electron in antibonding orbital.
3Cu  8HNO3  3Cu( NO3 )2  2 NO  4 H 2O
diluted
NO is paramagnetic due to unpaired electrons on “N”.
13) KO2 finds use in oxygen cylinders used for space and submarines. The fact(s) related to such
use ofKO2 is/are
(A) it produces O2 (B) it produces O3
(C) it absorbs CO2 (D) it absorbs both CO and CO2
Key: AC
1
Hint: KO2 

 K 2O  O2
2
3
2 KO2  CO2  K 2CO3  O2
2
14) The compound(s) which have-O-O bond(s) is/are-

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 (A) BaO2 (B) Na2O2 (C) CrO5 (D) Fe2O3
Key: ABC
Hint: BaO2 , Na2O2 ,CrO5 are peroxides
15) Highly pure dilute solution of sodium in ammonia
A) Shows blue coloration due to solvated electrons
B) Shows electrical conductivity due to both solvated electrons as well as solvated
sodium ions
C) Shows red coloration due to solvated electrons but a bad conductor of electricity
D) Produces hydrogen gas or carbonate
Key: AB
Hint: Sodium when dissolved in liquid ammonia produces solvated electrons which
imparts blue colour to the solution.
16) Which of the following compounds are paramagnetic in nature?
(A) KO2 (B) K2O2 (C) Na2O2 (D) RbO2
Key: AD
Hint:Odd no of electrons are paramagnetic nature(KO2 and RbO2 -13 valency
electrons)
17) Na2SO4 is water soluble but BaSO4 is insoluble because-
(A) the hydration energy of Na2SO4 is higher than that of its lattice energy
(B) the hydration energy of Na2SO4 is less than that of its lattice energy
(C) the hydration energy of BaSO4 is less than that of its lattice energy
(D) the hydration energy of BaSO4 is higher than that of its lattice energy
Key: AC
Hint: For Solubility
Hydration energy Should be greater than Lattice Energy.
H.E < L.E
18) Which of the following statements are false for all the alkali metals?
(A) Their nitrates decompose on heating to give NO2 and O2
(B) Their carbonates decompose on heating to give CO2 and normal oxide.
(C) They react with halogens to give the halides of the type, MX.
(D) They react with oxygen to give mainly the oxideM2O
Key: ABD
Hint: Conceptual
19) Expected to have highest melting point? Based on lattice energy and other considerations
which one of the following alkali metal chlorides is
(A) LiCl (B) NaCl (C) KCl (D) RbCl
Key: B

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Hint: NaCl has highest melting point due to lattice enthalpy.
20) Select correct statement:
A)Oxides (M2O) and peroxides (M2O2 of alkali metals are diamagnetic and
colorless.
B)Superoxide's (MO2) of alkali metals are paramagnetic
C) Li and Na do not form superoxide. (D) All are incorrect.
Key: ABC
Hint: Conceptual
21) Which of the following salt does not form any precipitate with excess of NaOH?
A)ZnCl2 (B) FeCl3 (C) AlCl3 (D) CuSO4
Key: AC
Hint: Both Zn+2 and Al+3 Soluble in excess of NaOH
22) The correct order of stability of hydrides of alkali metals is:
(A) LiH> NaH> KH> RbH (B) NaH>KH> RbH> CsH
(C) RbH>KH>NaH > LIH (D) LIH>RbH >KH>NaH
Key:AB
Hint: As size increases stability decreases.
23)The correct order of mobility of alkali metal ions in aqueous solution is:
(A) K+> Rb+> Na+> Li+ (B) Rb+>K+>Na+>Li+
(C) Li+> Na+> K+>Rb+ (D) Na +> K+ > Rb+>Li+
Key:B
As hydrated ion size increases mobility decreases.

24) Consider given reaction: Na( s )  NH 3 ( liq )


warm
 X  Y( g )
And select correct statement(s) for products ‘X’ and ‘Y’:
(A) Hydrolysis of ‘X’ produces NH3 gas
(B) as ‘Y’ is one of the constituents of water gas
(C) Anionic part of ‘X’ is conjugate acid of NH3
(D) Gas ‘Y’ can also be obtained by hydrolysis of saline hydrides.
Key: ABD
Hint: Na  NH 3  wram
( liq )
 NaNH 2  H 2(g)

Anionic part of 'X' is Conjugate base of NH3

25) Soda ash is used in which of the following process(es):
(A) Hall’s process (B) Softening of hard water
(C) Preparation of soda glass (D) preparation of K2Cr2O7
Key: ABCD
Hint: Soda ash -Na2CO3
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26) Sodium metal can be kept under:
A) Kerosene B) Benzene C) Toluene D) alcohol
Key: ABC
Hint: Sodium metal stored in kerosene, benzene and toluene
27) The compounds used in Solvay process are:
A) Na2SO4 B) NaCl C) NH3 D) CaCO3
Key: BCD
Hint: Raw material used in Solvay process are: NaCl, NH3,CaCO3
28) Sodium chloride is known as:
A) Table salt B)Common salt C) soda ash D) Rock salt
Key:ABD
Hint: Sodium chloride is also known as Table salt,Common salt, Rock salt

29) Which of the following is/are correct?

A) Sodium thiosulphate is called hypo B) Sodium peroxide is called oxone
C) Potassium carbonate is called pearl ash D) Sodium nitrate is called Indian nitre
Key: ABC
Hint: sodium nitrite is called Chile salt peter.
30) An alloy of Na and K is:
A) Liquid at room temperature B) Used in specially designed thermometers
C) Unstable D) Solid at room temperature
Key:AB
Hint: An alloy of Na and K isLiquid at room temperature, used in specially designed
thermometers
31) The compound(s) formed upon combustion of sodium metal in excess air is (are)
[IIT-2009]
A) Na2O2 B) Na2O C) NaO2 D) NaOH
Key:AB
Hint: 4Na  O2  2Na 2O
4Na+2O22Na2O2
32) Several sodium compounds find use in industries. Which of the following compounds are
used in textile industry?
A) Na2CO3 B) NaHCO3 C) NaOH D) NaCl
Key; AC
Hint: Sodium carbonate and Sodium hydroxide are used in textile industry.
33) Alkali metals are characterized by which of the following properties?
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 A) High boiling points B) High negative standard electrode potential
C) High density D) Large atomic size
Key:BD
Hint: Alkali metals are characterized by High negative standard electrode potential, High density
34) Correct match is/are:
A) Soda ash: Na2CO3 B) Pearl ash: K2CO3
C) Bone ash: CuCO3 D) Baking soda: NaHCO3
Key: ABD
Hint:Bone ash: Ca5(OH)(PO4)3

EXERCISE -3
Numerical value and Integer type questions:
1. An alkali metal chloride crystallises as MCl.xH2O. Atomic number of M is Z. Then Z-x=
Key: 1
Hint:M is Li.
LiCl crystallizes as LiCl.2H2O
Z=3 and x=2
2. The maximum change in the oxidation number Cl2 in the reaction of hot and conc. NaOH
with Cl2
Key: 5
Hint:6NaOH+3Cl25NaCl+NaClO3+3H2O
3. Let us consider the following reaction: (unbalanced equation)
KOx+ H2O KOH + HyOz+ O2
KOx is a chrome yellow powder. What is the Value of X?
Key: 2
Hint : KO 2  H 2O  KOH  H 2O2  O2
4. How many types of products are formed when LiNO3 and NaNO3 are heated at 500°C.
Key:4
Hint:
4LiNO3  2Li 2 O  4NO 2  O 2
2NaNO3  2NaNO 2  O 2

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5. An alkali metal nitrate on thermal decomposition gives reddish brown NO2 gas as alkaline
Z 1
earth metal nitrates. The atomic number of that alkali metal is Z. Then
2
Key: 1
Hint: LiNO3 gives NO2 on heating
Atomic number of Li(Z)=3
6. KI combines with I2 and forms polyiodide. The number of hybrid orbitals on the central
iodine atom is
Key:5
Hint:KI3 undergoes sp3d hybridization
7. Number of HCO3- ions joined by Hydrogen Bonding in KHCO3 is:
Key: 2
Hint: 2 molecules of KHCO3
8. One mole of lithium nitride is decomposed by H2O and resultant products are neutralised by
HCl. Number of moles of HCl required is:
Key: 4
Li3 N  3H 2 O  3LiOH  NH 3
Hint:
3LiOH  NH 3 
4 HCl
 3LiCl  NH 4 Cl  3H 2O
9. Four moles of NaNO3 when heated to 800°C, totally how many moles of paramagnetic gas
molecules liberated?
Key: 2
Hint: 4NaNO3  2Na 2O  2N 2  5O 2
10. How many of the following are anomalous properties of lithium?
(i)Hydrated lithium ion is the largest among alkali metals.
(ii) The melting and boiling points of lithium are comparatively high.
(iii) Lithium directly reacts with atmospheric nitrogen on heating.
(iv) Lithium chloride is the only hydrated salt,among all alkali chlorides.
(v) Lithium salts shows crimson red colour in flame test.
(vi) Lithium is softer than that of other alkali Metals
(vii) Lithium reacts directly with carbon to form an ionic carbide.
Key: 5
Hint: statements (i), (ii), (iii), (iv) and (v) are correct
11. The combustion of sodium in excess air yields a higher oxide. What is the oxidation state of
the oxygen in the product? Neglect the negative sign.
Key: 1
Hint: Na2O2

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12. The decahyrate form of sodium carbonate i.e. washing soda on standing in air efflorescence
and crumbles to powder. The number of water molecule(s) present in the compound formed
is:
Key:1
Hint: Na2CO3.H2O
13. What is the period number of Rb.
Key: 5
Hint: Rubedium belongs to
5 th period element.
14. CuSO4 reacts with NaCN to form a cyanide [Link] the balanced equation and find
the number of NaCN molecules involved in the equation for one mole of CuSO 4
Key: 5
Hint: 2CuSO 4  10NaCN  2Na 3 Cu  CN 4    CN 2  2 Na 2SO 4
1 mole of CuSO4 =5 moles of NaCN
15. Calculate heat of solution of NaCl from the following data
Hydration energy of Na+= - 389kJmol-1
Hydration energy of CI - = - 382kJmol-1
Lattice energy of NaCl = - 776 kJ mol-1
Key: 5
Hint: Hydration energy of NaCl=-389-382=-771
H Solution =-771-(-776)=5 KJ/mol
16. When an in organic compound react with SO2 in aqueous medium ,it produces (A),(A) on
reaction with Na2CO3 gives compound (B) which with Sulphur gives (C),(C) is used in
[Link] number of  - bonds in (C) is
Key: 2
Hint: Na2SO3
O

NaO-S-ONa

17. On heating a mixture containing 3 moles each of Li2CO3 and K2CO3, how many moles of
CO2 are evolved?
Key: 3
Hint: only Li2CO3decomposes and gives CO2
Li2CO3  Li2O  CO2
1mole 1mole

Page 38 of 100
[Link] soda on standing in air [Link] many water molecules are lost.
Key: 9
 
0
below100 C
Hint: Na2CO3 .10H 2O 
9 H O
2
 Na2CO3 .H 2O

ALKALINE EARTH METALS (IIA GROUP)

a) General introduction of alkaline earth metals:

1) Occurrence of alkaline earth metals: Alkaline earth metals are reactive elements and hence
do not occur free in nature. Magnesium and calcium are found in abundance in nature.
Beryllium is not very abundant. Strontium and barium are much less abundant. Radium is a
rare [Link] and magnesium are the most common and commercially useful of the
alkaline earth elements. calcium is the fifth and magnesium is the sixth most abundant
element in the earth’s crust.
2)Abundance of alkaline earth metals:
The order of abundance (% by weight): Ca > Mg > Ba > Sr > Be
calcium is the fifth and magnesium is the sixth most abundant element in the earth’s crust.
3) Isotopes of alkaline earth metals: All the isotopes of Radium are radioactive. Its longest-
lived isotope is 88Ra226, t1/2=1600 yr.

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4) Electronic configuration of alkaline earth metals:
General electronic configuration of alkaline earth metals ns2.

4Be  [He] 2s2

12Mg  [Ne] 3s2

20Ca  [Ar] 4s2

38Sr  [Kr] 5s2

56Ba  [Xe] 6s2

88Ra  [Rn] 7s2

5) Atomic and ionic Radii of alkaline earth metals:Be < Mg < Ca < Sr < Ba.
6) Ionization Enthalpies of alkaline earth metals: Be> Mg>Ca>Sr>Ra>Ba.
7) Electro positive or metallic character of alkaline earth metals:
Be < Mg < Ca < Sr < Ba.
8) Electro negativity of alkaline earth metals: Be> Mg>Ca>Sr>Ra>Ba.
9) Electron affinity of alkaline earth metals:Be> Mg>Ca>Sr>Ra>Ba.
10) Physical state of alkaline earth metals: All the group IIA elements are metals nd too
reactive, so that these do not occur in free state in They are all silvery white metals. They
have greyish white lustre when freshly cut, but tarnish soon after their exposure in air due to
surface oxidation. They are soft innature but harder than alkali metals because metallic
bonding is stronger than IA elements due to possession of 2 properties valency electrons.
However, hardness decreases with increase atomic number.
11) Heat of atomization of alkaline earth metals:
12)Density order: Ca < Mg < Be < Sr < Ba.
13) Conductance of alkaline earth metals : Be2+< Mg2+ < Ca2+< Sr2+ < Ba2+
14) Specific heat of alkaline earth metals :
15) Oxidation state and valency of alkaline earth metals :
16) Standard oxidation potential of alkaline earth metals:
Oxidation potential( S.R.P ) increases ,Reducing nature increases
Be < Mg < Ca < Sr < Ba
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17) Flame color of alkaline earth metals:
Among alkaline earth metals, Be and Mg do not impartany characteristic colour to the flame due
to more ionizationenergies.
Be,Mg - No Flame colours
Ca - Brick red
Sr - Crimson red
Ba - Apple green
Ra- Caramine
18) Hydration of alkaline earth metals ions: Hydration enthalpy of alkaline earth metals ions
decreases with increase in atomic number.
Be2+>Mg2+ >Ca2+>Sr2+ >Ba2+
The hydration enthalpies of alkaline earth metal ions are larger than those of alkali metal ions.
Thus compounds of alkaline earth metals are more extensively hydrated than those of alkali
metals, e.g.,
MgCl2 and CaCl2 exist as MgCl2.6H2O and CaCl2· 6H2O while NaCl and KCl do not
form such hydrates.

(b) CHEMICAL PROPERTIES OF ALKALINE EARTH METALS

1. Reaction of alkaline earth metals with oxygen
a) Order reaction with alkaline earth metals with oxygen Be  Mg  Ca  Sr  Ba
b) Oxides of alkaline earth metals
BeO  Amphoteric 
MgO Weak basic 
CaO  Strong basic 
SrO  Strong basic 
BaO  Strong basic 
Oxides of these metals are very stable due to high lattice enthalpy and are used for refractory
material. Except BeO covalent 4:4 coordination all other Oxides are ionic 6:6 coordination.
c) Peroxides of alkaline earth metals SrO2 BaO2 RaO2
2. Reaction of alkaline earth metals with Nitrogen

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All the alkaline earth metals directly combine with Nitrogen to give ionic nitrides M 3 N 2 type
Be3 N 2 is volatile. Rest are non volatile ionic crystalline solids formation of nitrides are
hydrolysis with water liberate NH 3 .
3. Reaction of alkaline earth metals with air and chemical properties:
Except Be these metals easily tarnished in air as a layer of oxide is formed on their surface.
Ba in powered form burns in to flame on exposure to air
M  air  MO  M 3 N 2
M  Ca, Sr , Ba 
4. Reaction of alkaline earth metals with water:
Ca, Sr , Ba, and Ra decompose cold water readily with evolution of Hydrogen.
M  2 H 2O  M  OH 2  H 2
Mg decompose boiling water but Be does not react with H 2O even at red hot, it’s
protective oxide film survives even at high temperatures . Reactivity of alkaline earth
metals increase as we move down the group as oxidation potential increases.
a) Order of reactivity of alkaline earth metals with water Be  Mg  Ca  Sr  Ba
b) Basic nature order of hydroxide of alkaline earth metals
Be  OH 2  Mg  OH 2  Ca  OH 2  Sr  OH 2  Ba  OH 2
c) Solubility order of hydroxides of alkaline earth metals
Be  OH 2  Mg  OH 2  Ca  OH 2  Sr  OH 2  Ba  OH 2 Be  OH 2 and Mg  OH  almost
insoluble in water
d) Oder of thermal stability of hydroxides of alkaline earth metals
Be  OH 2  Mg  OH 2  Ca  OH 2  Sr  OH 2  Ba  OH 2
e) Hydroxide are decompose on heating
Mg  OH 2     MgO  H 2O
Ca  OH 2    CaO  H 2O
5. Reaction of alkaline earth metals with Hydrogen:
a) Order of reactive of alkaline earth metals with Hydrogen Be  Mg  Ca  Sr  Ba
b) Stability order of Hydrides of alkaline earth metals BeH 2  MgH 2  CaH 2  SrH 2  BaH 2
c) Chemical reaction of Hydrides of alkaline earth metals BeH 2 and MgH 2 are covalent in
nature other hydrides are ionic in nature Ca, Sr , Ba . Hydrides liberate Hydrogen at anode
on electrolysis in fused State CaH 2 is technically called hydrolith used on large scale for
production of hydrogen CaH 2  2 H 2O  Ca  OH 2  2 H 2

Page 42 of 100
  BeH  n Polymeric. Possesses hydrogen bridge 3 center 2 electron bond also called as
banana bond.
6. Reaction of alkaline earth metals with halogens:
a) Reactivity order of alkaline earth metals with halogens Be  Mg  Ca  Sr  Ba
b) Reactivity order of halogens with alkaline earth metals F2  Cl2  Br2  I 2
c) Physical properties of alkaline earth metals halides
BeX 2 are covalent in nature due to small size and highpolarising power other metal halides
are ionic nature of halides increase down the group. Melting point and conductivity increase
from magnesium halides to barium halides they are good conductors in molten state. The
halide are hygroscopic in nature and readily form hydrates eg.
MgCl2 .6 H 2O, CaCl2 .6 H 2O, BaCl2 .2 H 2O etc.
CaCl2 used as dehydrating agent BeCl2 fumes in moisture due to its hydrolysis.
BeCl2  H 2O  Be  OH 2  2 H 2O
BeCl2 has different structure in solid and vapour [Link] solid state, it exists in the form of
polymeric chain structure in which each Be atom is surrounded by four Cl atoms having
two of chlorine atoms covalently bonded while other of coordinated bond ‘[Link] vapour state
above 1200k it exists as monomer having liner structure and zero dipole moment but below
1200k it’s exist as dimeric structure even in vapour state.
d) Ionic and covalent nature of alkaline earth metals
BeX 2 have covalent character. Do not conduct electricity in molten state. The Ionic
character of halides increase from Be to Ra .
e) Stability of alkaline earth metals halides BeCl2  MgCl2  CaCl2  SrCl2  BaCl2
f) Hydration enthalpy of alkaline earth metals halides. Decrease in hydrogen energy down the
group reason increasing size of metal.
g) Lattices enthalpy of alkaline earth metals increases in lattice enthalpy of alkaline earth
metals halides down the group.
h) Solubility of alkaline earth metals halides the solubility of alkaline earth metals halides
decrease down the group. Except fluorides , all are fairly soluble in water. BeX 2 being
covalent are soluble in organic solvents. Reason decreases in hydration enthalpy and
increase size of cation. MgBr2 and Mgl2 are covalent and soluble in organic solvents.
BeF2 highly soluble in water where as other fluorides are less soluble. Reason high
hydration enthalpy.
7. Reaction of alkaline earth metals with non-metals

Page 43 of 100
a) Reaction of alkaline earth metals with carbon with the exception of Be , Other metals when
heated with carbon to form carbides of type MC2 these carbides are called acetylides as on
hydrolysis they evolve acetylene. MC2  2 H 2O  M  OH 2  C2 H 2
MgC2 on heating changes in to Mg 2C3 on hydrolysis evolves propyne C3 H 4
Mg 2C3  4 H 2O  2 Mg  OH 2  C3 H 4
When BeO is heated with carbon at above 2000degree centigrade a brick re colour carbid
formula Be2C is formed this on in hydrolysis evolves methane and is thus, called
methanide.
Be2C  4 H 2O  2 Be  OH 2  CH 4
It is also ionic but possesses an antifluorite structure. BaC2 also react with Nitrogen but
forms Ba  CN 2 and not cyanamide.
b) Reaction of alkaline earth metals with sulphur
Alkaline earth metals directly combine with sulphur on heating to form MS type sulphides
M  S  MS
Sulphides on hydrolysis liberate H 2 S
Sulphides are decomposed by water 2MS  2 H 2O  M  OH 2  M  SH 2
c) Reaction of alkaline earth metals with phosphorus
Alkaline earth metals directly combine with phosphorus in heating to form M 3 P2 type
phospides .
3M  2 P  M 3 P2
Phospides on hydrolysis to evolve phospine
M 3 P2  [Link]  PH 3
8. Reaction of alkaline earth metals with acids :
Alkaline earth metals are freely react with acid and displace Hydrogen
M  H 2 SO4  MSO4  H 2
M  2 HCl  MCl2  H 2
Be is rendered passive by conc. HNO3 by forming an oxide layer on the surface.
9. Reaction of alkaline earth metals with alkaline:
Be dissolves caustic alkalines also with libration of [Link] is due to digolanal
relationship with Al . Be is thus Amphoteric in nature.
10. Reaction of alkaline earth metals with liquidammonia
Alkaline earth metals dissolve liquid ammonia to form a coloured solutions. Dilute
solutions are bright blue in colour due to solvated electrons. The solution decompose very
slowly forming amides and evolving hydrogen.
Page 44 of 100
 M  M  2  2e 
2 NH 3  2e  2 NH 2  H 2
M 2  2 NH 2  M  NH 2 2
When the solution evaporated, hexaammonate M  NH 3 6 is formed. These slowly
decompose to give amides.
M  NH 3 6  M  NH 2 2  4 NH 3  H 2
Concentrated solution of metals in ammonia are bronze coloured.
11. Reaction of alkaline earth metals with mercury:
Alkaline earth metals are combined with mercury form amalgams.
12. Formation of alkaline earth metals complexes:
Generally alkaline earth metals dovnot form complexes. Be form stable complexes such as
2
 BeF3  , BeF4  and  Be  H 2O 4  complexes of the type BeCl2 .R2 are formed where R
is an ether aldehyde or ketones with an oxygen is an doner atom. Be complexes
 Be4O  R   where R may be NO3 , HCOO , CH3COO , C6 H5OO etc
 6
The most important complex formed by Mg is chlorophyll in which Mg bonded to four
heterocyclic nitrogen atoms. Ca, Sr , and Ba form complexes only with strong complexing
agents like acetyl acetone, EDTA , etc
13. Organo-metalic compounds of alkaline earth metals:
Both Be and Mg form an appreciable number of compounds with M-C bond but only few
are know for Ca, Sr and Ba . Grignard reagents very important in organic chemistry which
can be used to form a wide variety of organic compounds.
dry ether
Mg  RBr  RMgBr  R  alkyl or aryl 
Dry ether
BeCl2 react with Grignard compounds forming reactive dialkyls and diaryls.
dry Ether
2 RMgCl  BeCl 2 
 BeR2  2 MgCl2
Dialkyls and diaryls of Mg , Ca, Sr and Ba can also obtained by similar reaction.
14. Alkaline earth metals carbonates:
a) Formation of carbonates of alkaline earth metals
Bi carbonate are decomposed to form alkaline earth metlas carbonates
M  HCO3 2  MCO3  CO2  H 2O

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b) Chemical reactivity of carbonates of alkaline earth metals order
BeCO3  MgCO3  CaCO3  SrCO3  BaCO3
c) Stability order alkaline earth metals carbonates
BeCO3  MgCO3  CaCO3  SrCO3  BaCO3
d) Solubility of alkaline earth metals carbonates
BeCO3  MgCO3  CaCO3  SrCO3  BaCO3
e) Ionic and covalent nature alkaline earth metals carbonates
BeCO3  MgCO3  CaCO3  SrCO3  BaCO3
f) Ionic and covalent nature alkaline earth metals carbonates
The carbonates all are ionic, but BeCO3 least ionic and unusual because it’s contains
2
hydrated ion  Be  H 2O 4  rather than Be 2 .
15. Alkaline earth metals bicarbonates:
a) Formation of bicarbonate of alkaline earth metals MCO3  H 2O  CO2  M  HCO3 2
b) Chemical reactivity of bicarbonate of alkaline earth metals. Down the group reactivity of
bicarbonate decrease
c) Stability order of alkaline earth metals bicarbonates
Bi carbonates of alkaline earth metals do not exists in solid state but are know in solution
state only on heating their aqueous solution of bicarbonate are decomposed to liberate CO2
16. Alkaline earth metals nitrates:
a) Formation of nitrates of alkaline earth metals. These are prepared by action of nitric acid
with Oxides, hydroxide and carbon of alkaline earth metals
b) Chemicals reactivity of nitrates of alkaline earth metals. On heating they decompose in to
their corresponding oxides with evolution of a mixture of nitrogen dioxide and Oxygen
2M  NO3 2  2MO  4 NO2  O2
Be also form basic nitrate in addition to the normal salt. Basic nitrate is a covalent
125 C
compound Be  NO3 2   BeO  NO3 6 
0

c) Stability order of alkaline earth metals nitrates

Be  NO3 2  Mg  NO3 2  Ca  NO3 2  Sr  NO3 2  Ba  NO3 2
d) Solubility order of alkaline earth metals nitrates
Be  NO3 2  Mg  NO3 2  Ca  NO3 2  Sr  NO3 2  Ba  NO3 2
e) Ionic and covalent Nature of alkaline earth metals nitrates. Ionic nature of alkaline earth
metals increase down the group
17. Alkaline earth metals sulphates:
Page 46 of 100
 a) formation of alkaline earth metals sulphates
These are prepared by the action of sulphuric acid on Oxides, hydroxides, or carbonates.
MO  H 2 SO4  MSO4  H 2O
b) Reactivity order of alkaline earth metals sulphates .
Reactivity of alkaline earth metals sulphates decrease the down the group
c)Stability order of alkaline earth metals sulphates . Suhates are decompose on heating to
give corresponding MO
2 MSO4  2 MO  2 SO2  O2
Stability order of alkaline earth metals sulphates increase down the group
d) Solubility of alkaline earth metals sulphates . Solubility of alkaline earth metals sulphates
decrease down the group
Note: CaSO4 sparingly soluble. SrSO4 and BaSO4 are almost insoluble.
e) Ionic and covalent nature of alkaline earth metals sulphates
Ionic nature of alkaline earth metals sulphates increase down’the group.
18. Be different from the rest of alkaline earth metals:
on account of its small size , high electron negativity . Be 2 excerts high polarized effect on
anions and thus form covalent compound.
Diffences of Be from other alkaline earth metals.
1. Be is lightest alkaline earth metals
2. Be possesses high m.p. and b.p. then other group members
3. BeO is Amphoteric in nature whereas Oxides of other group members are strong base
4. It is not easily affected by dry air and does not decompose water at ordinary temperature .
5. BeSO4 is soluble in water
6. Be and Mg carbonates are not precipitate by  NH 4 2 CO3 in presence of NH 4Cl .
7. Be and Mg salts do not impart colour to flame.
8. Be does not form peroxides like other alkaline earth metals.
9. It does not evolve hydrogen so readily from acids as other earth metals do so.
10. It as strong tendancy to form complex compound
11. Be3 N 2 is volatile whereas nitrides of other alkaline earth metals are non-volatile
12. Its salts never have more then four molecules of water of crystallization as it has only four
available orbital’s in its valency shell.
13. Be carbides react with water to give methane where as Mg carbides and Ca carbides give
propyne and acetylene, respectively.
19. Other chemical reaction of alkaline earth metals:
1. Mg being active mental also burns in CO2 , S vapour etc.

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 2 Mg  CO2  2 Mg  C
Mg  S  MgS
2. Mg react with Conc H 2 SO4 give SO2 gas Mg  2con.H 2 SO4  MgSO4  SO2  2 H 2O
3. Mg act as a strong reducing agent
2 Mg  SO2  2 MgO  S
3Mg  B2O3  3MgO  2 B
4. Formation of Grignard reagents
KI  I  RMgI
Alkyl magnesium iodide
5. Heating of Mg  NO3 
2Mg  NO3 2  2MgO  NO2  O2
Ca reactions
1. Ca on heating in current of CO2 to give carbide and oxide.
5Ca  2CO2  4CaO  CaC2
2. Ca absorb ammonia forming Ca  NH 3 6 which on heating give calcium amide and
calcium nitride
Ca  NH 3 6  Ca  NH 2 2  4 NH 3  H 2
3Ca  NH 3 2  Ca3 N 2  4 NH 3
3. It is good reducing agent and reduce less electropositive matelicoxides in to metals
Cr2O3  3Ca  2Cr  3CaO
20. Detection of alkaline earth metals and their ions:
a) Flame test
Ca 2 ion flame colour brick-red
Sr 2 ion flame colour crimson
Ba 2 ion flame colour Grassy green
b) Ca, Sr , Ba are present in 5th group in group separation table for Quality analysis For Ba 2
ion
[Link] off H 2 S
2. NH 4OH   NH 4 2 CO3
1. Filtarate of group 4  white PPT BaCO3 , CaCO3 , SrCO3 appear as a white PPT

Page 48 of 100
2. Dissolve the white PPT in acetic acid

MCO3  COOH   CH 3COO 2 M  H 2O  CO2 M  Ba 2 , Sr 2 , Ca 2 Soluble 
 A   CH3COO 2 Ba
 A  K 2Cr2O4  yelow PPT  BaCrO4 
Flame test…By using the paste of BaCrO4 with Conc. HCl
Apple-green flame Ba 2 ion confirmed.
Soluble  B    CH 3COO 2 Sr
 B    NH 4 2 SO4  white PPT . SrSO4 
Flame test…By using the paste of SrSO4 with conc. HCl crimson red flame
 CH 3COO  Ca 2  NH 4 2 SO4   NH 4 2 Ca  SO4    CH 3COO  NH 4
Ca  as  NH 4 2 Ca  SO4 2    c 
Warm
 C    NH 4 C2O4  whitePPT . CaC2O4 
Flame test…By using a paste of CaC2O4
 B    NH 4 2 SO4  whitePPT . SrSO4 
Flame test…By using a paste of SrSO4 with conc. HCl crimson red flame
 CH 3COO  Ca 2  NH 4 2 SO4   NH 4 2 Ca  SO4    CH 3COO  NH 3
Ca  as  NH 4 2 Ca  SO4 2    c 
Warm
 C    NH 4 C2O4  white PPT .  CaC2O4 
Flame test….By using a paste of CaC2O4 with conc. HCl give
Ca 2 brick red flame
C) Analysis of Mg 2
Mg 2 ion present in 6th group in group separation table.
Filtrate of group
V  NH 4OH  Na2 HPO4  fine crystalline PPT. On scratching the side of the test tube.
Mg  NH 4  PO4 white PPT Mg 2 confirmed
(C) EXTRACTION OF ALKALINE EARTH METALS

Page 49 of 100
These metals are best Isolated by electrolysis of fused metal halides containing NaCl .
NaCl Lowers the fusion temperature and makes the fused mass a good conductor of
electricity.
Beryllium:- It is obtained by reducing BeF2 with magnesium

Magnesium:-

Method-(1) By heating MgO and C to 20000 C

MgO  C  Mg  CO

The Gaseous mixture of Mg and CO was then cooled very rapidly to deposit the metal.
This quenching is necessary as the reaction is reversible.
Method-(2) Pidgeon Process:-

By reducing calcined Dolomite with Ferrosilicon at 11500 C under reduced pressure.

Fe / Si
CaCO3.MgCO3  [Link]  Mg  Ca2 SiO4  Fe


Method-(3) From Magnesite:-

MgCO3  MgO  CO2
calcination

The oxide is dissolved in a mixture of molten fluorides of magnesium, barium and sodium
and electrolysed
Anode: Carbon rods
Cathode: Cast Iron rods
Method-(4):- Electrolysis Of Anhydrous MgCl2

Electrolyte anhydrous MgCl2  NaCl  CaCl2

Cathode: Iron
Anode: Graphite
electrolysis
MgCl2  Mg  Cl2
Cathode Anode

Calcium:- Electrolysis of fused anhydrous CaCl2

Cathode: Steel
Page 50 of 100
 Anode: Graphite
The remaining metals Sr and Ba are produced on a very much smaller scale by the
electrolysis of their fused chlorides, or from their oxides by reduction with aluminum.

COMPOUNDS OF ALKALINE EARTH METALS:

(I) EPSOM SALT (OR) MAGNESIUM SULPHATE HEPTA HYDRATE

Preparation:- MgSO4 .7 H 2O is called Epsom salt. Magnesium sulphate is prepared by

treating the Magnesite (or) Dolamite with dil H 2 SO4 followed by evaporation and
crystallization of the resultant solution.
MgCO3  H 2 SO4  MgSO4  H 2O  CO2
Magnesite

MgCO3.CaCO3  2 H 2 SO4  MgSO4  CaSO4  2 H 2O  CO2

Dolamite

(II) PROPERTIES
(1) Epsom salt is soluble in water with evolution of heat.
(2) It is an efflorescent substance.
150 C 0

200 C 0

 200 C 0

(3) MgSO4 .7 H 2O   MgSO4 .H 2O   MgSO4  

6 H O 2
HO 2

1
 MgO  SO2  O2
2
(4) With alkali metal sulphate, it forms double salts of type K 2 SO4 .MgSO4 .6 H 2O
(5) The salt is Isomorphous with green vitreol  FeSO4 .7 H 2O  and white vitreol
 ZnSO4.7 H 2O  .
(III) USES:- (1) Epsom salt is used in medicine as purgative

(2) Epsom salt is used as stimulant to increase bile secretion

(2) CALCIUM OXIDE (OR) QUICKLIME  CaO 

(i) Preparation :- Lime is chemically calcium oxide  CaO  . It is called quicklime.

Page 51 of 100
 1070 1270 k


CaCO3 
 CaO  CO2
(ii) Properties:-
(1) On exposed to atmosphere, it absorbs moisture and CO2
CaO  H 2O  Ca  OH 2
CaO  CO2  CaCO3
The addition of limited amount of water breaks the lump of lime. This process is called slaking
of lime.
(2) Composition of milk of lime as well as lime water is Ca  OH 2
(3) CaO  2 HCl  CaCl2  H 2O
CaO  SiO2  CaSiO3
6CaO  P4O10  2Ca3  PO4 2
CaO  3C  CaC2  CO

CaC2  2 H 2O  Ca  OH 2  C2 H 2
CaC2  N 2  CaCN 2 C

Calcium cyanamide

(iii) Uses:-
(1) It is used in the manufacture of cement, sodium carbonate, dyestuffs.
(2) In the purification of sugar
(3) It is used as a drying agent for Ammonia.

(3) CALCIUM HYDROXIDE (SLAKED LIME): Ca  OH 2

(i) Preparation:- Calcium hydroxide is prepared by adding water to quicklime.

CaO  H 2O  Ca  OH 2

(ii) Properties:-
(1) It is sparingly soluble in water. The aqueous solution is called lime water and a suspension
of slaked lime in water is known as milk of lime.
(2) When CO2 is passed through the lime water it turns milky due to the formation of CaCO3 .
Ca  OH 2  CO2  CaCO3  H 2O
on passing excess of CO2 , the precipitate dissolves to form Calcium hydrogen Carbonate.

Page 52 of 100
 CaCO3  H 2O  CO2  Ca  HCO3 2
(3) Milk of lime reacts with Cl2 to form hypochlorite, a constituent of bleaching powder.

2Ca  OH 2  2Cl2  CaCl2  Ca  OCl 2  2H 2O

(III)Uses:-
(1) In the preparation of mortar, bleaching powder, glass.
(2) As a white wash
(3) In tanning Industry
(4) In the purification of sugar

(4) CALCIUM CARBONATE (OR) LIME STONE  CaCO3 

(i) Preparation :- It is prepared by passing CO2 through slaked lime (or) by the addition of
Na2CO3 to CaCl2

Ca  OH 2  CO2  CaCO3  H 2O

CaCl2  Na2CO3  CaCO3  2 NaCl

Excess CO2 should be avoided since this leads to the formation of water soluble calcium
hydrogen carbonate.
Properties:-
1200 K
(1) CaCO3 
 CaO  CO2
(2) CaCO3  2 HCl  CaCl2  H 2O  CO2
dilute
CaCO3  H 2 SO4  CaSO4  H 2O  CO2
dilute

Uses:- (1) CaCO3 along with MgCO3 is used as a flux in the extraction of metals like Iron

(2)Used as an antacid
(5) GYPSUM  CaSO4 .2 H 2O 

Preparation :- CaCl2  H 2 SO4  CaSO4  2 HCl

CaO  H 2 SO4  CaSO4  H 2O

CaCO3  H 2 SO4  CaSO4  H 2O  CO2

Page 53 of 100
Properties:-

1) CaSO4   NH 4 2 SO4  aq  CaSO4 . NH 4 2 SO4 .H 2O

Uses:- (1) It is used in the manufacture of cement

(2)It is used in the manufacture of plaster of paris
(6) PLASTER OF PARIS (OR) CALCIUM SULPHATE HEMI HYDRATE
1
 2CaSO4.H 2O  or  CaSO4 . H 2O
2
Preparations:-
120 C
2  CaSO4 .2 H 2O   2CaSO4 .H 2O  3H 2O
0

Gypsum

Properties:-
1 above393k
(1) CaSO4 . H 2O 
1
 CaSO4
2  HO dead burnt plaster
2
2

(2) Setting of plaster of pairs

setting stage hardening
2CaSO4 .H 2O 
 CaSO4 .2 H 2O 
 CaSO4 .2 H 2O setting of plaster
HO stage
Plaster of pairs 2

Orthor hom bic Monoclinic

of Paris may be catalysed by NaCl while it is retarded by borax (or) alum

Uses: - (1) In the building Industry as well as plasters.

(2)For immobilizing the affected part of organ where there is a bone fracture or sprain.
(3) Used in dentistry and for making casts of statues and busts.
(7) PORTLAND CEMENT:-
Preparation:-
The raw materials: lime stone, clay.
When clay and lime are strongly heated together they fuse and react to form ‘Cement
Clinker’
Clin ker  2  3% by weight of Gypsum  cement

Properties:-
Page 54 of 100
(1) The important Ingredients in Portland cement are
dicalcium silicate Ca2 SiO4  26%

Tricalcicum Silicate Ca3SiO5  51%

Tricalcium Aluminates Ca3 Al2O6  11%

(2) Average Composition of Portland cement are

CaO : 50  60% SiO2 : 20  25%
Al2O3 : 5  10% MgO : 2  3%
Fe2O3 :1  2% SO3 :1  2%
(3) For a good quality cement, the ratio of
(a) SiO2 to Al2O3 : between 2.5 and 4
(b) Lime to total of : 2
SiO2  Al2O3  Fe2O3
(4) The purpose of adding gypsum is only to slow down the process of setting of cement

Uses:- It is used in concrete, reinforced concrete, in plastering and in the construction of bridges,
dams and buildings.
(8) CALCIUM CARBIDE ( CaC2 )
Preparation:- CaC2 is prepared when the metal is heated with carbon in an electric furnace (or)
its oxide is heated with carbon.
1100 C
0

Ca  2C 
 CaC2
2000 C 0

CaO  3C 
 CaC2  CO
CaC2 made in this way is a grey colored solid, but it is colorless when pure.

Properties:-
(1) CaC2 reacts with water liberating acetylene
CaC2  2 H 2O  Ca  OH 2  C2 H 2
1100 C
0

(2) CaC2  N 2  CaNCN C

Electical furnace calcium Cyanamide
This is an important reaction because it is one method of fixing atmospheric dinitrogen
Uses:- (1) CaC2 is an important chemical Intermediate
(2) CaC2 is used in the preparation of C2 H 2

Page 55 of 100
CHEMICAL PROPERTIES OF COMPOUNDS OF ALKALINE EARTH METALS
(1) Magnesium Oxide ( MgO (or) (Magnesia)
(a) MgO  H 2O  Mg  OH 2
(b) MgO  H 2 SO4  MgSO4  H 2O
(c) MgO  2 HCl  MgCl2  H 2O
(d) Magnesia cement(or) Sorel’s cement: MgCl2 .5MgO. XH 2O
(2) MAGNESIUM HYDROXIDE Mg  OH 2  
(a) Mg  OH 2  2 NH 4Cl  MgCl2  2 NH 4OH
Calcination
b Mg  OH 2  MgO  H 2O


(3) MAGNESIUM CARBONATE  MgCO3 

(a) It dissolves in water if CO2 is passed through it. This is due to the formation of soluble
Mg  HCO3 2
MgCO3  H 2O  CO2  Mg  HCO3 2

(b) MgCO3  H 2 SO4  MgSO4  H 2O  CO2

Calcination
(c) MgCO3  MgO  CO2


EXERCISE -1
SINGLE ANSWER TYPE (PYQ)
(a) General introduction of alkaline earth metals:
1) The increasing order of metallic character (April 10th shift2-2023)
1) Be > Ca > K (2) K > Ca > Be (3)Ca > K >Be (4) K > Be > Ca
Answer (2)
Sol. Metallic character increases down the group and decreases from left to right along a period.
K > Ca > Be (Metallic character)
2) Which of the following metals cannot give flame test?
1) Be 2) Na 3) K 4) Ca
Key: 1
Hint: Be and Mg does not impart colour to the flame
3) which has a strong reducing character among the following
1) Be 2) Mg 3) Ca 4) Ba
Page 56 of 100
Key: 4
Hint: Reducing character increases down the group.
4) Which of the following is the most abundant alkaline earth Metal?
(1) Be (2) Mg (3) Ca (4) Sr
Key: 3
Hint: Calcium is the fifth most abundant element in the Earth’s crust.
5) The alkaline earth metal that forms mainly covalent compounds is
1) Mg 2) Be 3) Ca 4) Ba
Key: 2
Hints: Be forms covalent compounds.
6) The correct order of polarising ability of cations of Alkaline earth metals is
1) Be2+> Ca2+> Mg2+> Ba2+ 2) Be2+< Mg2+> Ca2+ = Ba2+
3) Be2+< Mg2+> Ca2+< Ba2+ 4) Ba2+< Ca2+< Mg2+< Be2+
Key: 4
Hint: Polarising ability of cations of Alkaline earth metals is decreases
7) Which of the following elements has highest melting point?
1) Ba 2) Sr 3) Ca 4) Be
Key: 4
Hint: M P: Be > Ca > Sr > Ba > Mg
8) A fire work gave brick red coloured flashes. It contains
1) NaCl 2) BaCl2 3) CaCl2 4) SrCl2
Key: 3
Hint: CaCl2 gives brick red flame.
9) In Diwali crackers the fireworks are used to give coloured flames. The salt of which one of
the following metals is used to obtain green flame for this purpose?
1) Na 2) Ba 3) K 4) Ca
Key: 2
Hint: Barium gives green flame.
10) Which of the following has the highest hydration enthalpy in an aqueous solution?
(JEE MAIN)
1) Na+ 2) Be2+ 3) Ba2+ 4) Cs+
Key: 2
Hint: The hydration enthalpies of alkaline earth metal ions are larger than those of alkali
metal ions on earth metal
ions decrease with increase in ionic size down the group.
Be2+> Mg2+> Ca2+> Sr2+> Ba2+. Therefore (B) option is correct.
(b) Chemical properties of alkaline earth metals:

Page 57 of 100
10) The alkaline earth metal sulphate(s) which are readily soluble in water is /are
(30thJan shift1-2023)
A) BeSO4 B) MgSO4 C) CaSO4 D) SrSO4 E) BaSO4
Choose the correct answer from the option given below:
1) A only 2) B only 3) A and B 4) B and C
Key: 3
Hint: Due to high hydration energy Be+2 and Mg+2 BeSO4 and MgSO4 are readily soluble in
water.
11) Chlorides of which metal are soluble in organic solvents (30th Jan shift 2-2023)
1) Ca 2) Mg 3) K 4) Be
Key: 4
Hint: BeCl2 having covalent nature is soluble in organic solvent.
12) Choose the correct statement(s): (1st Feb shift1-2023)
A. Beryllium oxide is purely acidic in nature.
B. Beryllium carbonate is kept in the atmosphere of CO2
C. Beryllium sulphate is readily soluble in water.
D. Beryllium shows anomalous behavior.
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:
1) A, B and C only 2) B, C and D only
3)A and B only 4) A only
Key: 2
Hint: A. Beryllium oxide is amphoteric in nature.
B. Beryllium carbonate is kept in the atmosphere of CO2 because it is thermally
stable
C. Beryllium sulphate is readily soluble in water due to high degree of hydration
D. Beryllium shows anomalous behaviour due to small size, high I.E
13) BeCl2 exists as in solid state, vapour phase and at high temperature of the order of 1200 K in
that order. (April 6th shift 2-2023)
(1) Polymer, Dimer and Monomer (2) Dimer, Polymer and Monomer
(3) Monomer, Dimer and Polymer (4) Polymer, Monomer and Dimer
Key:2
Hint:BeCl2 exists as in solid stateDimer form, vapour phasePolymerform and at high
temperatureMonomer form
14) Which of the following the best method for Preparation of BeF2
(April 13th shift2-2023)
1)Be + F2 → BeF2 2) BeH2 + F2 → BeF2
3) BeH2 + NaF → BeF2 4)By (NH4)2BeF4 (thermal decomposition)
Page 58 of 100
Key: (4)
Hint: Best method for preparation of BeF2 is by thermal decomposition of
(NH4)2BeF4NH4F+BeF2
15) Ba+2 cannot be precipitated as (April 13th shift2-2023)
1) BaCO3 2) Ba (OH)2 3)BaCrO4 4)BaSO4
Key: 2
Hint: Ba(OH)2 is soluble in water
BaCO3& BaSO4 are white ppt
BaCrO4 – Yellow ppt
16) Consider a reaction.
Be (OH)2 + Sr (OH)2⎯→ Product
Incorrect statement regarding the product is (April 13th shift1-2023)
1)Be is tetrahedrally bonded in the product 2) Be forms cationic part
3)It is an acid-base reaction 4) Be (OH)2 acts as a Lewis acid
Key: 2
Hint: Be (OH)2 + Sr (OH)2 Sr2+ [Be (OH)4]2–
As Be is present in the anionic part, option (2) is incorrect
[Link] carbonates decompose on heating to give metal oxide and carbon dioxide. Which of the
metal carbonates are most stable thermally? [ Ncert exampler]
(1) MgCO3 (2) CaCO3 (3) SrCO3 (4) BaCO3
Key:4
Hint: Thermal stability increases down the group.
18. Which of the carbonates given below is unstable in air and is kept in CO 2 atmosphere to
avoid decomposition. [ Ncert exampler]
(1) BeCO3 (2) MgCO3 (3) CaCO3 (4) BaCO3
Key:1
Hint: BeCO3 thermally unstable
[Link] form basic hydroxides. Which of the following metal hydroxide is the least basic?
[ Ncert exemplar]
(1) Mg(OH)2 (2) Ca(OH)2 (3) Sr(OH)2 (4) Ba(OH)2
Key:1
Hint: Basic nature of hydroxides decreases down the group.
[Link] 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
[ Ncert examplar]
(1) BeCl2 (2) MgCl2 (3) CaCl2 (4) SrCl2
Key:1

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Hint: BeCl2 is covalent and soluble in organic solvent.
[Link] hydroxides react with both alkalies and acids. Which of the following Group-
2 metal hydroxides is soluble in sodium hydroxide? [ Ncert exampler]
(1) Be(OH)2 (2) Mg(OH)2 (3) Ca(OH)2 (4) Ba(OH)2
Key: 1
Hint:Be(OH)2 is Amphoteric hydroxide.
[Link] of the following elements does not form hydride by direct heating with dihydrogen? [
Ncert examplar]
(1) Be (2) Mg (3) Sr (4) Ba
Key: 1
Hint: Be does not form hydride by direct heating with dihydrogen.
23. A substance which gives brick red flame and breaks down on heating to give oxygen and a
brown gas is [ Ncert exampler]
(1) Magnesium nitrate (2) Calcium nitrate
(3) Barium nitrate (4) Strontium nitrate
KeY: 2
Hint: Calcium compounds gives brick red colour flame
[Link] of hydrates of halides of calcium, barium and strontium i.e., CaCl 2.6H2O,
BaCl2.2H2O, SrCl2.2H2O, can be achieved by heating. These become wet on keeping in air.
Which of the following statements is correct about these halides?
[ Ncert examplar]
(1) act as dehydrating agent
(2) can absorb moisture from air
(3) Tendency to form hydrate decreases from calcium to barium
(4) All of the above
Key: 4
Hint: Conceptual
25. Property of alkaline earth metals that increases with their atomic number:
1) Solubility of their hydroxides in water 2) solubility of their sulphates in water
3) Ionisation energy 4) Electronegativity
Key:1
Hint: Solubility of the hydroxides increases as their hydration energies are more than their lattice
energies.
[Link] of alkaline earth metals form hydrates such as MgCl2.6H2O, CaCl2.6H2O, BaCl2.2H2O and
SrCl2 .2H2O. This shows that halides of group 2 elements:
1) Are hygroscopic in nature 2) act as dehydrating agents
3) Can absorb moisture from air 4) All of the above
Page 60 of 100
Key: 4
Hint: Halides of alkaline earth metals form hydrates Are hygroscopic in nature, act as
dehydrating agents, and can absorb moisture from air.

27. A metal ' X ' on heating in nitrogen gives Y. Y on treatment with water forms a colourless
gas which when passed through CuSO4 solution gives blue colour 'y 'is:
1) Mg ( NO3 )2 2)Mg3 N2 3)NH 3 4)MgO
Key: 2
3Mg  N 2  Mg3 N 2
Mg 3 N 2  6 H 2O  3Mg (OH ) 2  2 NH 3
Hint:
NH 3  H 2O  NH 4OH
CuSO4  4 NH 4OH  Cu ( NH 3 ) 4 SO4  4 H 2O
28. Which of the following statements is false?
1) Strontium decomposes water more readily than beryllium
2) Barium carbonate melts at higher temperature than calcium carbonate
3) Barium hydroxide is more soluble in water than magnesium hydroxide
4) Beryllium hydroxide is more basic than barium Hydroxide
Key: 4
Hint: Be (OH)2 is amphoteric in nature while Ba (OH)2 is basic
29. Be and Al show diagonal relationship hence both have:
1) Same degree of electronegativity 2) polarising nature
3)Amphoteric nature of oxides 4) All the above properties
Key: 4
Hint: Conceptual
[Link] burns in air to give: (JEE ADVANCED)
1) MgO 2) Mg3N2 3) MgCO3 4) Both MgO and Mg3N2
Key: 4
Hint: Mg burns in air to form both MgO and Mg3N2
2Mg  O2  2MgO; 3Mg  N2  Mg3 N 2
31. Which among the following shows the tendency to form peroxide?
1) Li 2)Mg 3)Be 4) Ba
Key: 4
Hint: Large size of Barium favours the formation of peroxide
(c) Compounds of alkaline earth metals:
[Link] of the following slows down the process of setting of the cement?
(April 6th shift1-2023)
1) Plaster of paris 2) Gypsum 3) caustic soda 4) soda ash
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Key: Gypsum
33. In good quality cement ratio of lime stone to total Oxides of silicon (SiO2), alumina (Al203)
and iron (Fe2O3) should be close to:
(April 8th shift 2-2023)
(1) 1 (2) 2 (3) 3 (4) 4
Key:(2)
Hint: A good quality cement, the ratio of silica (SiO2) to alumina (Al2O3) should be between
2.5 and 4 and the ratio of lime (CaO) to the total of the oxides of silicon (SiO2)
aluminium (AlO3) and iron (Fe2O3) should be as close as possible to 2.
34. The ratio of silica to alumina in cement is(April 15th shift1-2023)
1) 5.5 (2)2 (3) 3 (4)1.5
Key: (3)
Hint: For good quality cement, the ratio of silica (SiO2) to
Alumina (Al2O3) should be between 2.5 and 4.
35. The element playing significant role in neuro muscular function and inter neuronal
transmission is:
1) Be 2) Ca 3) Li 4) Mg
Key: 2
Hint: Calcium element playing significant role in neuro muscular function and inter neuronal
transmission
36. By adding gypsum to cement[ Ncert exampler]
(1) setting time of cement becomes less.
(2) setting time of cement increases.
(3) colour of cement becomes light.
(4) shining surface is obtained.
Key: 2
Hint: by adding gypsum is only to slow down the process of setting of the cement
[Link] burnt plaster is[ Ncert exampler]
(1) CaSO4 (2) CaSO4.4H2O (3) CaSO4.H2O (4) CaSO4.2H2O
Key:1
Hint: anhydrous CaSO4 is called Dead burnt plaster.[ Ncert exampler]
[Link] of slaked lime in water is known as
(1) lime water (2) quick lime
(3) milk of lime (4) aqueous solution of slaked lime
Key: 3
Hint: Suspension of slaked lime in water is known as Milk of lime

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[Link] of the following statements is true about Ca(OH)2? [ Ncert exampler]
(1) It is used in the preparation of bleaching powder
(2) It is a light blue solid
(3) It does not possess disinfectant property.
(4) It is used in the manufacture of cement.
Key: 1
Hint: Ca(OH)2 is used in the preparation of bleaching powder
40. A chemical A is used for the preparation of washing soda to recover ammonia. When CO2 is
bubbled through an aqueous solution of A, the solution turns milky. It is used in white
washing due to disinfectant nature. What is the chemical formula of A?
[ Ncert exampler]
(1) Ca(HCO3)2 (2) CaO (3) Ca(OH)2 (4) CaCO3
Key: 3
Hint: Ca(OH)2 is used in white washing due to disinfectant nature.
[Link] of Paris, a white powder, is
1
1) CaSO4 .2H2O 2) CaSO 4 . H 2 O 2 (3) CaSO4 (4) CaSO4 .H2O
2
Key: 2
Hint: Hemi hydrated Calcium sulphate is called Plaster of Paris.
42. A solid compound ‘X’ on heating gives CO2 gas and a residue. The residue mixed with
water form on passing an excess of CO2 through ‘Y’ in water a clear solution ‘Z’ is
obtained. On boiling ‘Z’ compound‘X’ is reformed. The compound ‘X’ is:
(1) Ca (HCO3)2 (2) CaCO3 (3) Na2CO3 (4) CaSO4
Key:(2)

CaCO3   CaO  CO2
CaO  H 2O  Ca (OH ) 2 (Y )
Hint:
Ca (OH ) 2  2CO2  H 2O  Ca ( HCO3 ) 2 ( Z )

Ca ( HCO3 ) 2   CaCO3  CO2  H 2O
(X)

Page 63 of 100
 EXERCISE -2
More than one options are correct

1) Which of the following statement is incorrect

(A) The atomic radius of Na is greater than that of Mg.
(B) Metallic bond in Mg is stronger than the metallic bond in Na.
(C) Melting and boiling points of K are greater than those of Na.
(D) Mg and Ca both impart characteristic color to the flame.
Key:CD
Hint: Melting and Boiling points of K are lesser than those of Na
Be and Mg do not impart characteristic color to the flame
2) Select correct statement is/are:
A) CaCO3 is more soluble in a solution of CO₂ than in water.
B) Aragonite is a meta stable form of CaCO3 occurring naturally.
C) CaCO3 cannot be decomposed by heat.
D) LINO3 on heating gives LINO3 and oxygen.
Key: AB

CaCO3   CaO  CO2
Hint:
4 LiNO3  2 Li2O  4 NO2  O2
3) Which of the following statement(s) is/are correct?
A) The chloride of Be is electron deficient and is polymeric with halogen bridges.
B) The reaction of CaO, SrO and BaO with water is exothermic.
C) The bicarbonates of alkaline earth metals are only stable in solutions.
D) BeF2 is very soluble in water owing the high solvation energy of Be+2 but fluorides
of other alkaline earth metals are almost insoluble.
KeY: ABCD
Hint: All are correct
4) The oxide(s) having rock salt structure coordination number 6: 6 is/are with
A) MgO B) BeO C) CaO D) Sro
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Key:ACD
Hint: BeO has (4,4) coordination number
5) Which of the following statement(s) is/are
(A) Milk of lime is a suspension of Ca(OH)2 Water.
(B) Lime water is a clear solution of Ca(OH)2 |n water.
(C) Baryta water is a clear solution of Ba(OH)2
(D) Nitrolim is the mixture of CaCN2 and carbon.
Key: ABCD
Hint: All statements are correct
6) Aqueous solution of sodium carbonate can react with:
A) MgCl2 B) Ca(HCO3)2 C) H₂SO4 D) CO2
Key: ABCD
Hint: All statements are correct
7) Heating which of the following with C produces a metal sulphide?
(A) Na2SO4 (B) MgSO4 (C) BaSO4 D) Li2SO4
Key: AC
Hint: B and D do not form sulphidesdue to small size of cations
8) A substance (P) releases a gas (Q) on reaction with H2O decolourises Br2water. (P) may be
(A) BeC2 (B) Be2C (C) Al4C3_ (D) Mg2C3
Key: AD
Hint: Q is acetylene are allylene which is unsaturated and decolorizes Bromine water
9) A substance (P), when heated in a dry test tube liberated a colorless odorless gas that
rekindled a glowing splinter. It may be:
(A) KCIO3 (B) NaNO3 (C) K2SO4 (D) CaCO3
Key:AB
Hint: A and B liberate O2 gas on heating
10) select Correct statement(s) :
(A) CaCO3 is more soluble in solution of CO2 than in H2O.
(B) Na2CO3 is converted to Na2O and CO2 on Heating.
C) Li2CO3 is thermally unstable.
(D) Presence of CaCl2 or CaSO4 in water causes temporary hardness.
Key:AC
Hint: CaCO3 forms soluble Ca(HCO3)2vin presence of CaCl2 or CaSO4 causes permenant
hardness
10) Which of the following are correct
A) Be > Ca > Sr > Ba > Mg (Melting Point)
B) Be > Mg > Ca > Sr > Ba (second ionization potential)

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 C) Be > Mg > Ca > Sr > Ba (hydration energy)
D) Be > Mg > Ca > Sr > Ba (Density)
Key: ABC
Hint: Decreasing order of densities of IIA metal
Ba > Sr > Be > Mg > Ca
11) Which following are incorrect
A) BeCO3 > MgCO3 > CaCO3 > SrCO3> BaCO3 (decreasing solubility)
B) BeF2>MgF2> CaF2< SrF2< BaF2 (solubility)
C) Beo> MgO> CaO> Sro> BaO (radius ratio)
D) Ba > Sr > Ca > Mg > Be (hydration enthalpy)
Key: CD
M 2

Hint: Decreasing radius ratio( O 2
)
BaO  SrO  CaO  MgO  BeO
Decreasing Hydration energy: Be > Mg > Ca > Sr > Ba
12) Which of the following statements are false regarding BeCl2
A) In solid state, BeCl2 exits in the form of linear structure
B) In vapour state it exits as a trimer with bridged structure
C) Below 1200K it has cyclic structure
D) Invapour state it exits as a solid with bridged structure
Key:ABC
Hint: In solid state, BeCl2 exits as Polymeric structure, In vapour state BeCl2 exits as a Dimer,
at 1200K it exist as Monomer.
13) “Be “differs from rest of the elements of the IIA group due to
A) Small size B) Presence of vacant d’ orbital
C) low electro negativity D) Absence of vacent d’ orbitals
Key: AB
Hint: “Be “ has smaller size and vacant d orbital

14) Which of the following compounds are correctly related

Compound Use
A) MgSO4.7H2O Mordant in dying fabrics
B) Ca (H2PO4)2 Soluble phosphate fertilizer
C) BaSO4 Paint pigment
D) Mg(OH)2 Milk of magnesia
Key: ABCD
Hint: All are correct explanations
15) Which of the following is/are correct statements?
Page 66 of 100
 A) Mg burns in air releasing dazzling light rich in UV rays
B) CaCl2 .6H2O when mixed with ice gives freezing mixture
C) ‘Mg: cannot form complexes
D) “Be” can form complexes due to is very small size
Key: ABD
Hint: Mg can form complexes
Eg: Chlorophyll pigment
16) The incorrect statement(S) is/are
A) BeCl2 is an ionic compound B) BeCl2 is an electron deficient compound
C) BeCl2 can form dimer D) BeCl2, has seesaw shape
Key: AD
Hint: BeCl2 is covalent compound, BeCl2 is linear shape.
17. Which of the following equations are correct

A) MgCl2 .2H 2O   Mg  OH  2  2HCl
B) MgCl2 .6H 2 O 

 MgCl2 .2 H 2O  4 H 2O
C) MgO+C+Cl2  MgCl 2  CO
D) MgSO4 .7 H 2O 100 k
 MgSO4
Key: ABC
Hint: MgSO4 .7 H 2O 
423 K
6 H O
2
 MgSO4 .H 2O

18) Which of the following compounds of Be has polymeric structure?

A) BeH2 B) BeCl2 C) Be(OH)2 4) Be(NO3)2
Key: AB
Hint: BeH2 and BeCl2 exist as polymer with three centered two electron bond.
19) Which of the following statements are false
A) Ca(OH)2 is called slaked lime
B) M g2+ and C a2+ ions are responsible for the transmission of electrical impulses along
the nerve fibre
C) C a2+ ion is present in chlorophyll pigment
D) The enamel on teeth is a double salt of Mg
Key: CD
Hint: Mg +2 ion is present in chlorophyll pigment
The enamel on teeth is a double salt of calcium
20) Which of the following statements are correct
A) “Be” like Al is rendered passive on treatment with ConcHNO3
B)Both “Be” and Al don’t impart any colouration to the bunsen flame

Page 67 of 100
 C) Both “Be” and Al form carbides which on hydrolysis liberate CH4 gas
D) Both form halides by the direct reaction of metal and halogen which contain bridge
bonds
Key: ABCD
Hint: All are correct explanations
21) In curing cement plasters, water is sprinkled from time to time which of the following
statements
are incorrect.
A) Keeping it cool B) Converting sand in to silicic acid
C) hydrated sand gravel mixed with cement
D) Developing interlocking needle like crystals of hydrated silicates
Key: ABC
Hint: The three reasons are not correct.
Reason: Developing interlocking needle like crystals of hydrated silicates
22) Which of the following oxides have rock salt structure with coordination number 6: 6?
A) BeO B) MgO C) CaO D) None of these
Key: BC
Be2
Hint: BeO has radius ratio {  0.22}
O 2
23) Yellow phosphorus on reaction with Ca(OH 2 gives
A) Ca( H 2 PO4 )2 B) Ca( H 2 PO2 )2 C) PH 3 D) PH 5
Key: AC
Hint: PH 5 is not formed.
24) Which of the following metals dissolve in liquid
A) Sr B) Ca C) Ba D) Be
Key: ABC
Hint: Be does not dissolve in NH3
25) The substance(s) which reduce(s) the rate of Setting of plaster of paris is/are :
A) NaCl B) Alum C) Borax D) CaSO4
Key: BCD
Hint: B, C, D delay the setting of plaster of paris
26) Be2C on hydrolysis yields
(A) Be(OH)2 (B) C2H2 (C) CH4 (D) C2H6
Key:AC
Hint: Be2C + H2O Be(OH)2 + CH4

Page 68 of 100
27) Which of the following are good conductors of electricity in the molten state?
(A) BeCl2 (B) CaCl2 (C) SrCl2 (D) MgCl2
Key:BCD
Hint:CaCl2, SrCl2 and MgCl2 are ionic compounds. In molten state ions are mobile and hence
conduct electricity.
28) Which of the following statement is correct?
(A) The solubility of group 2 salt depends upon the lattice energy of the solid and
hydration energy of the ions
(B) The solubilities of most of the group II salts decrease with increase in atomic
weight of the corresponding metal
(C) The solubilities of group 2 sulphates and hydroxide have opposite trends
(D) The solubilities of group 2 fluoride and hydroxides increase with molecular weight
Key:ABC
Hint: Solubility depends on lattice energy and hydration energy. Fluoride and hydroxide of
alkaline earth metal, solubilityincreases because lattice energy decreases more than
hydration energy along group.
29) Which of the following statements is/are correct for compounds of group 2 metals?
(A) The number of molecules of water of crystallization increases with the size of the
metal ions
(B) The number of molecules of water of crystallization increases as the size of the metal
ions decreases
(C) The number of molecules of water of crystallisation decreases as the size of the metal
ion increases
(D) Mg & Be do not give any characteristic colour to Bunsen flame
Key:BCD
Hint:Mg and Be do not impart any colour to flame. Number of molecules of water of
crystallisation depends on
30) Elements which do not undergo flame test?
(A) Be (B) Mg (C) Ba (D) Ra
Key:AB
Hint:In case of Be and Mg, the electrons are tightly held and hence excitation is rather
difficult, thus do not show flame colouration.
31) Which category belongs to electron defficient bridge bonds?
(A) Hydrides (B) Carbides (C) Deuterides (D) Halides
Key:AC
Hint: Like CaH2, CaD2

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32) The reagent(s) used for softening the temporary hardness of water is(are) [IIT-JEE-2010]
(A) Ca3(PO4)2 (B) Ca(OH)2 (C) Na2CO3 (D) NaOCl
Key:BC
Hint: Ca(OH)2 and Na2CO3 is used to remove hardness of water. Ca(OH)2 is used in
Clarke’s method.
33) The correct statement is/are-
(A) BeCl2 is a covalent compound (B) BeCl2 is an electron deficient molecule
(C) BeCl2 can form dimer (D) The hybrid state of Be in BeCl2 is sp2
Key:ABC
Hint: Cl-Be-Cl (sp hybridized-Linear)
Be has 4 valency electron in BeCl2
34) Which of the following statement are false?
(A) BeCl2 is a linear molecule in the vapour state but it is polymeric in the solid state
(B) Calcium hydride is called hydrolith
(C) Carbides of both Be and Al react with water to form acetylene
(D) Oxides of both Be and Ca are amphoteric.
Key:CD
Hint: Oxides of Ca is Basic in Nature
35) Which of the following are ionic carbides?
(A) CaC2 (B) Al4C3 (C) SiC (D) Be2C
Key:ABD
Hint: SiC is Covalent carbide.
36) Which of the following carbides does not give allylene on hydrolysis?
(A) Mg2C3 (B) Be2C (C) MgC2 (D) CaC2
Key:BCD
Hint: Mg2C3  H 2O  Mg (OH )2  C3 H 2
37) Magnesium is not an important component of which biomolecule occurring extensively in
living world
A) Haemoglobin (B) Vitamin B6 (C) Chlorophyll (D) Vitamin B12
Key:ABD
Hint: chlorophyll contain Mg+2 ion
38) Which of the following will not give any colour to flame?
A) Be (B)Mg (C) Na (D)Li
Key: AB
Hint: Be and Mg does not impart colour to the flame.
39) Select correct match for substance and its use:
A) Suspension of Mg (OH)2 in water: Antacid
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 B) Beryllium: Windows of X-ray tube
C) Liquid sodium metal: Moderator for neutrons in fast breeder nuclear reactors
D) Na2EDTA: Estimation of hardness of water
Key: ABD
Hint: Liquid sodium metal is used as coolant in fast Breeder reactors

EXERCISE-3
Numerical value and Integer type questions:

1. In two alkaline earth metal salts, one gives apple green and other gives brick red in flame
test. The sum of atomic number of those alkaline earth metals is x . Then the value of
x4

16
Key-5
Sol: - Ca  Z  20  , Ba( Z  56), x  20  56  76
x  4 80
 5
16 16
2. How many of the following bicarbonates are solid in nature?
LiHCO3 , NaHCO3 , KHCO3 , RbHCO3 ,
CsHCO3 , Be  HCO3 2 , Mg  HCO3 2 , Ca  HCO3 2 ,
Sr  HCO3 2 , Ba  HCO3 2
Key-4
Sol: -Only NaHCO3 , KHCO3 , RbHCO3 , CsHCO3 are present in solid form.
3. Total [Link] moles water in 1 mole of Epsom salt is
Key-7
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Sol: - Epsom salt: MgSO4 ,7 H 2O
2 
4. M   X  Y  NH 3   M  NH 3  x   2 e  NH 3  y  where M=alkaline earth metal.
 
Value of x is………….
Key-6
Sol: - When alkaline earth metal except Be, Mg is dissolved in liquid NH 3 , we get hex
ammoniated metal ion.
5. How many of the following statements are correct?
(a) BeO is amphoteric in nature.
(b) LiHCO3 is not found in solid state.
(c) K 2O2 is diamagnetic but KO2 is paramagnetic.
(d) White phosphorous react with castic soda and gives phosphine gas.
(e) AlCl3 is soluble in excess of NaOH and form sodium meta-aluminate.
(f) Anhydrous potassium nitrate on heating with potassium metal gives potassium oxide and
nitrogen gas.
(g) Lithium chloride is highly soluble in water.
(h) Hydrated magnesium chloride on heating in dry air gives anhydrous MgCl2 .
Key-6
Sol:- (a),(b),(c),(d)(e) &(f) are correct
(a) BeO is amphoteric in nature because it reacts with acid as well as base.

(b) LiHCO3  Li2CO3  H 2O  CO2
(d) H 2O  NaOH  P4  NaH 2 PO2  PH 3
(e) AlCl3  4 NaOH  excess   NaAlO2  2 H 2O  3NaCl
(f) KNO3  K  K 2O  N 2
(h) MgCl2 ,6 H 2O  MgO  HCl  H 2O
6. Out of Be, Mg , Ca, Sr and Ba , number of elements which do not impart any colour to the
flame
Key-2
Sol: - Out of S-block elements Be and Mg do not impart any colour to flame
7. Mole of hydrocarbon produced by hydrolysis of 1 mole Mg 2C3 (Magnesium carbide)
are_____
Key-1
Sol: - Mg 2C3  4 H 2O  C3H 4  2 Mg  OH 2

Page 72 of 100
8. When CaC2 reacts with N 2 a compound X is formed, X on reaction with H 2 SO4 gives Y
and CaSO4 . Then the number of  bonds in compound Y are_________
Key-4
Sol: - CaC2  N 2  CaCN 2  C
CaCN 2  H 2 SO4  H 2 NCN  CaSO4
9. Chlorides of Ca and Ba crystallizes from their saturated aqueous solution as CaCl2 , YH 2O
Y
and BaCl2 , ZH 2O . Then 
Z
Key-3
Sol: - CaCl2 .6 H 2O, BaCl2 .2 H 2O
10. On heating magnesium sulphate, the following changes taken place:
150 C 0

MgSO4 .7 H 2O  MgSO4 .xH 2O

200 C0


 MgSO4 . yH 2O
The sum of x and y is:
Key-1
150 C 0

Sol: - MgSO4 .7 H 2O  MgSO4 .H 2O

200 C0


 MgSO4
11. How many of the following orders are correct
(A) Basic strength
Be  OH 2  Mg  OH 2  Ca  OH 2  Ba  OH 2
(B) Decomposition temperature
BaCO3  SrCO3  CaCO3  MgCO3.
(C) Size
Na   Mg 2  Li   Be2
(D)Solubility in water
Li2CO3  Na2CO3  K 2CO3  Rb2CO3  Cs2CO3
(E)Thermal stability
Na2O2  K 2O2  Rb2O2  Cs2O2
(F) Thermal stability
LiHCO3  NaHCO3  KHCO3  RbHCO3  CsHCO3
(G)Melting point NaF  NaCl  NaBr  Nal
(H) Bond length Na2O2  KO2  O2  AsF4  O  O
Page 73 of 100
Key-5
Sol: - ABCEF are correct
12. White crystalline solid of calcium (A), is sparingly soluble in water and solubility decreases
when temperature increases. It dissolves in ammonium sulphate due to the formation of
double salt. The number of water molecules present in one molecule of the double salt
is___________
Key-1
Sol: -  NH 4 2 SO4 .CaSO4 .H 2O
13. Out of Mg , Ca, Sr and Ba , total number of metals whose nitrates are decomposed

according to following reaction are___________ 2 M  NO3 2  "Re sidue " 4 NO2  O2
Key-4

Sol: - 2 M  NO3 2  MO  4 NO2  O2

14. In vapour phase and solid phase, the hybridization of BeCl2 and x and y . The number of
hybrid orbital’s in x are p and y are q. The p+q=
Key-7
Sol: - x  sp 2 , y  sp3  p  3, q  4, p  q  7
15. Magnesium oxide when mixed with a saturated solution of Magnesium chloride sets to a
hard mass like cement known as “Sorel cement”. The composition of sorel’s cement is
[Link] 2O. What is the value of n ?
Key-5
Sol: - MgCl2 .[Link] 2O
16. 6 milli mole of pure gypsum is heated to convert it completely to plaster of pairs. What is
the number of milli moles of steam evolved in the process?
Key-9
1 3
Sol: - CaSO4 .2 H 2O  CaSO4 . H 2O  H 2O
2 2
6milli moles give 9 milli moles of steam.
17. Magnesium heated with carbon in an electric furnace give a compound (A).”A’ on heating
changes to ‘B”. Hydrolysis of ‘B’ gives a hydrocarbon ‘C’. The number of sp carbons in the
compound ‘C’ is_____________
Key-2
Sol: - Mg  2C  MgC2  ' A '
MgC2 on heating changes to MgC3  B 
Page 74 of 100
 Mg 2C3  4 H 2O  2Mg  OH 2  C3H 4  C 
C3 H 4  CH 3  C  C  H
sp3 sp sp

EXERCISE- 4
PASSAGES :
Passage – 1:
On treatment with cold water, element (A) reacted quietly, liberating colourless gas (B) and
solution (C). Lithium reacted with gas (B) giving a solid product (D) which gave
effervesence with water to give basic solution (F). When CO2 was passed through solution
(C), an initial white ppt (E) was formed but this redissolved forming solution (G) when
more CO2 was passed PPT (E) effervesced when moistened with conc. HCl and gave a
deep red colouration to Bunsen flame. (E) on heating with excess of carbon at 20000 C gave
(H) :
1. Metal A may be :
(A) Be (B) Ca (C) Sr (D) Ba
2. Solution (G) contains a salt. Consider following statements :
(I) It causes permanent hardness of water
(II) It can’t be obtained in solid state.
(III) It causes temporary hardness to water
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(IV) It can be obtained in solid state

Correct statements are :

(A) I and II (B) I and IV (C) II and III (D) II and IV
3. Solid (H) on hydrolysis gives a gas, this gas when passed through ammonical AgNO3 gives
:
(A) white ppt (B) red ppt (C) no ppt (D) brown ppt

Passage – 2:
M  Metal  Most stable state  Liquid
X 2  Non  Metal  Most stable state  Gas
Compound MX 2  Ionic : The ion X is univalent

M 2 ( g ) ; 2 X ( g )
620kJ
M (g) ; 2X (g)
120kJ
Enthalpy change at standard M (g) ; 2X  (g)
40kJ
T and P  
M (g) ; X 2(g)
20kJ
M (l ) ; X 2 ( g )
0
MX 2 ( s )
500kJ

1. What is lattice energy of MX 2 solid?

(A) 1040kJ / mol (B) 960kJ / mol (C) 1020kJ / mol (D) 1120kJ / mol
2. Pick out the correct statement(s).
(A) The enthalpy of vaporization of M  l  is 20 kJ.
(B) The enthalpy of atomization of X 2  g  is 100 kJ.
(C) The electron affinity of gaseous X is 40 kJ.
(D) The electron affinity of gaseous X is 80 kJ.

Passage – 3:
A naturally occurring inorganic salt (X) produces a binary compound (Y), on heating at
low temperature. A gas (Z) and a solid (S) is produced when it is heated at very high
temperature. (Y) is neutral towards litmus and liquid at room temperature. Gas (Z) produces
white turbidity in aq. solution of (S) and produces green colour with Cr2O72 solution in
acidic medium.
Page 76 of 100
1. Inorganic salt (X) is :
(A) CaCO3 (B) Na2 SO4 .10 H 2O (C) MgSO4 .7 H 2O (D) CaSO4 .2 H 2O
2. Inorganic solid (X) is :
(A) freely soluble in water (B) insoluble in water
(C) sparingly soluble in water (D) soluble in hot water
3. Aq. solution of (S) when heated with NH 4Cl , produces :
(A) blue solution (B) white precipitate (C) ammonia gas (D) HCl gas

Passage –4:
The properties of lithium and beryllium and their compounds differ far more from those of
the other group-1 and group-2 elements and compounds.
Lithium compounds may show closer similarities with group-2 elements (particularly Mg)
than they show towards their own group. Similarly Be is also closer to Al.
1. Which type of salt is formed by only Li in group-1 ?
(A) Nitrate salt (B) Nitride salt (C) Nitrite salt (D) Carbonate salt
2. Which of the following property of Li and Be is different from the rest of the elements of
their group ?
(A) Smaller size
(B) Outer shell contains only one s and three p-orbitals
(C) Higher covalent character in their compounds
(D) All of the above

3. Diagonal relationships does not exist between the pair of :

(A) Li, Be (B) Li, Mg (C) Be, Al (D) B, Si
4. Which of the following metals react directly with carbon ?
(I) Li (II) Na (III) Mg (IV) Ca
(A) I, III, IV (B) II, IV (C) II, III, IV (D) I, II, III, IV

Passage –5:
Magnesium is the sixth most abundant element in earth crust. Magnesium salt occurs to
about 0.13% in sea water. Magnesium does not exist in elemental form so that it is extracted
by their salts. It forms alloys with Al, Zn, Mn, Sn etc. The similarity between Mg(IIA) and
Li (IA) is called diagonal relationship.
1. Select the reaction which is not correct.
 3Mg  OH 2  2 NH 3 
(A) Mg 3 N 2  6 H 2O 

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  2 Mg  OH 2  H 3C  C  CH 
(B) Mg 2C3  4 H 2O 
 Mg  OH 2  2 HCl 
(C) MgCl2  2 H 2O 

(D) MgCO3   MgO  CO2 

2. Which of the following reaction is written with correct observation?

(A) Mg 2  aq.  2 KHCO3 
 white ppt.
(B) Mg 2  aq.  K 2CO3 
 colourless solution.
(C) Al 3  aq.  Na2CO3 
 white gelatinous ppt.
(D) Al 3  aq.  Na2 SO4 
 white gelatinous ppt.
3. Which of the following property of magnesium does not resemble with lithium?
(A) Bicarbonates of both exist in solution state but not in solid form
(B) Carbonates of both produce CO2 on heating
(C) Both can produce nitride on reaction with N 2
(D) Both produce colour in the flame test.
4. Which of the following pair of ore contain MgCO3 ?
(A) Dolomite and Epsom (B) Carnalite and Magnesite
(C) Dolomite and Magnesite (D) Epsom and Gypsum

Passage –6:
Solution of alkali metal in liq. ammonia have been developed as versatile reducing agents
which effect reduction reactions of organic compounds that are otherwise difficult.
Aromatic system are reduced smoothly to cyclic mono or di-olefins and alkynes are reduced
to steriospecifically to trans-alkene.
1. Solution of alkali metal (Na) in ammonia is powerful reducing agent due to the presence of
:
(A) Na atoms in it
(B) formation of H 2 gas
(C) formation of NaNH 2
(D) quasi free electron which is distributed in solvent

Page 78 of 100
 H 3C H
Na in liq. NH3
H 3C  C  C  CH 3  C C
H CH 3
2.
above reaction is called :
(A) Rimer timen reaction (B) Birch reduction
(C) Perkin reaction (D) Wilkinson reduction
BaSO4  Pd  H 2
3. H 3C  C  C  CH 3  ?
(A) CH 3  CH 2  CH 2  CH 3 (B) trans  CH 3  CH  CH  CH 3
(C) cisH 3C  CH  CH  CH 3 (D) none of these
4. Blue solution of Na in is themselves unstable because of . . . . . on standing :
(A) amide formation of Na (B) azide formation of Na
(C) nitride formation of Na (D) hydride formation of Na

Passage –7:
Inorganic compound (X) which produces green colour on flame. (X) also produces a
colourless gas (G) and colourless solution (S) with dil . CH 3COOH . Solution (S) produces
white ppt. with Na2 SO4 but does not produce ppt. with NaCl . Gas (G) produces black ppt.
with AgNO3 solution.
 with BaSO4
1. X   Residue  gas G '
Select incorrect about gas G ' .
(A) It is triatomic
(B) Produces yellow ppt. with gas G in aq. solution
(C) Produces water soluble salt with KOH solution
(D) Produces black ppt. with AgNO3 solution

2. Resulting solution (S) in CH 3COOH ( aq.) produces ppt. with :

(A) Na2 S (B) K 2CrO4 (C)  NH 4 2 C2O4 (D) KI

3. (X) produces an important white pigment lithopone with aq. solution of . . . . . :

(A) ZnSO4 (B) Na2CO3 (C) Cu  NO3 2 (D) Pb  NO3 2

Passage –8:

Page 79 of 100
 A H 2O
A(metal )  X 2   B  Z  D
( A gives Brick red to colour flame)
( X 2 is relatively inert in VA group )
 coke
Z   E  H 2O; E 

F  G

x2  NaOH

I Y
1. Compound I is
(A) Ca3 N 2 (B) CaCN 2 (C) Ca3C2 (D) Ca  CN  2
2. Compound F on hydrolysis gives
(A) HCOOH (B) C2 H 2 (C) NH 3 (D) CH 4

Passage –9:
 
E  F 0  CaC2 CaC2 
N
DE
2000 C 2
H 2O
CaC2   A  B
 
CO gas excess
B( aq ) 
2
G
dilute HCl
G  H  I   H 2O
 F is a crystalline soild , E is obtained
in elemental form, J is precipitated out 

1. Select incorrect statement

(A) Compound (G) can be obtained in solid form
(B) The precipitate (J) is soluble in water
(C) Compound (D) can be used as a fertilizer
(D) Compound (D) is calcium cyanamide
2. Select correct statement
(A) Compound (K) gives white precipitate with gas (I)
Page 80 of 100
 (B) Compound (H) gives a white precipitate with KF
(C) Compound (K) can also be obtained by the action of dil. HCl on (F)
(D) Compound (J) on strong heating (> 4000C) gives a solid residue and no gaseous
products
3. Select correct statement
(A) The compound (B) is less soluble in water than (G)
(B) Element (E) is a good oxidising agent
(C) Hydrolysis of (D) gives a gas which has carbon in sp hybridisation
(D) Hydrolysis of (D) gives a gas which has nitrogen in sp 2 hybridisation

Passage –10:

M Na2 HPO4
NH Cl , ammonia solution
B  white ppt 
 metal chloride  4


B  C  D  E
 D  pungent smelling gas turns red litmus blue 
1. A is :
(A) MgCl2 (B) CaCl2 (C) SrCl2 (D) BeCl2
2. C is :
(A) Ca2 P2O7 (B) Mg 2 P2O7 (C) Ca  NH 2 2 (D) None of these
3. D is :
(A) NH 3 (B) NO2 (C) HCl (D) PH 3

Passage –11:

Page 81 of 100
 C onsider the follow ing sequence of reactions :
A  w hite solid   
BCD
A  w hite solid , B  residue , D  gas
C  gas , burns w ith blue flam e
flam e test
A    Brick red colour
B  H2 O
 Alkaline solution  H eat
n
D  aq
sol
of B
 M ilky suspension
1. A is :
(A) CaO (B) CaCO3 (C) CaC2O4 (D) Ca  OH 2
2. C is :
(A) CO (B) CO2 (C) H 2O  vapour  (D) C3O2
3. D is :
(A) CO (B) CO2 (C) H 2O  vapour  (D) C3O2

Passage –12:
Questions given below are based on the following values of hydration energy and lattice
energy:


Hydration energy  H hyd kJ mol 1 
Li   499 Na   390
K  305 Cl   382

Lattice energy  H U kJ mol  1 
LiCl  840
NaCl  776
KCl  703
1. Which salt has maximum heat of hydration?
(A) LiCl (B) NaCl (C) KCl (D) LiCl and KCl equally
2. Heat of hydration (numerical value) of LiCl , NaCl and KCl in the increasing order is :
(A) LiCl  KCl  NaCl (B) LiCl  NaCl  KCl
(C) LiCl  KCl  NaCl (D) KCl  NaCl  LiCl
3. Which salt can be used to control humidity?
(A) LiCl (B) NaCl (C) KCl (D) None of these

Passage –13:
Page 82 of 100
 Brine electrolysis by

Nelson method
 X  aq   Y  g   Z  g 
Solution
Y is a gas which disproportionates on passing through hot and concentrated solution of X, Z
is a gas which can also be obtained by the action of solutions of X on zinc
1. The gas Z can be obtained by the action of concentrated solution of X on :
(A) P4 (B) Si (C) S (D) F2
2. In the reaction of Y with hot and concentrated solution of X, the equivalent weight of Y is
____ (Molecular weight of Y is M)
(A) M 6 (B) M 2 (C) 3M 5 (D) 5M 3
3. Solution of X on treatment with the following forms an unstable hydroxide precipitate
which decomposes to given an oxide precipitate :
(A) HgCl2 (B) ZnSO4 (C) FeSO4 (D) CuSO4

Passage –14:

A  alkali   B  C  g  
H 2O sulphur
 KO2 
D

CO2

E  Cg

1. A is :
(A) H 2O2 (B) O2 (C) KOH (D) K 2CO3
2. D is :
(A) K 2 S (B) K 2 SO4 (C) KHSO4 (D) K 2 S 2O8
3. C is :
(A) CO2 (B) CO (C) O2 (D) CH 4

Page 83 of 100
 5000 C
 A  B
2 NaNO3 
Passage –15:
8000 C
 C  B  D
4 NaNO3 
1. Compound A is produced by absorbing dinitrogen trioxide in Na2CO3 solution. Compound
A is
(A) Na2O (B) NaNO2 (C) N 2O (D) Na2O2
2. Gas B is paramagnetic and support the combustion. Compound B is
(A) N 2 (B) N 2O (C) O2 (D) Na2O
3. D is a inert gas, which is also obtained by strongly heating the ammonium nitric.
Compound D is
(A) N 2O (B) N 2 (C) O2 (D) N 2

Passage –16:
The first element of a group in many ways differs from the rest of the elements of the group.
These differences may be attributed due to following fator:
i) The small size
ii) The high electro negativity and
iii) The non-availability of d-orbitals.
The first element of group often shows resemblance to the second element of the
neighbouring group on the right. This is termed diagonal relationship. Lithium and
magnesium show resemblance in a number of properties.
1. Which one is the wrong statement?
(A) Lithium has greater hardness in comparison to other alkali metals.
(B) LiHCO3 like Mg  HCO3 2 is not known in solid state.
(C) Lithium and magnesium form nitrides with nitrogen but other alkali metals do not.
(D) Fluorides of alkali metals are highly soluble in water.
H 2O
2. Metal , M  N 2 
 Nitride   NH 3
Metal M can be :
(A) Na (B) K (C) Li (D) Mg
3. Sodium and lithium are placed in dry air, we get:
(A) Na2OH , Na2O, Li2O (B) Na2O, Li2O
(C) Na2O, Li2O, Li3 N , NH 3 (D) Na2O, Li3 N , Li2O
4. Which will give NO2 on heating?

Page 84 of 100
 (A) NaNO3 (B) LiNO3 (C) NH 4 NO3 (D) NH 4 NO2

Passage –17:
All the alkali metals are tarnished on exposure to air due to formation of oxides, hydroxides
and carbonates on their surfaces. When heated in excess of air or oxygen they burn
vigorously forming different types of oxides depending upon the nature of the metal. The
formation and stability of these oxides can be explained on the basis of size of the cation
(alkali metal ion) and the anion. Superoxides are coloured while normal and peroxides are
colourless. The normal oxides are basic while peroxides and superoxides act as oxidising
agents.
1. Among KO2 , AlO2 , Na2O2 , NO2 unpaired electron is present in :
(A) NO2 and Na2O2 (B) KO2 and AlO2
(C) KO2 only (D) Na2O2 only
2. In the presence of excess of oxygen, on heating lithium forms:
(A) Li2O (B) LiO (C) Li2O2 (D) LiO2
3. Which oxide is formed when potassium is heated in excess of oxygen?
(A) K 2O (B) KO (C) K 2O2 (D) KO2

Passage –18:
Both alkaline earth metals and alkali metals are s-block elements. They resemble with each
other in many respects but still here are certain dissimilarities in their properties on account
of different number of electrons in the valency shell, smaller atomic adii, higher ionization
potential, higher electro negativity. etc.,
Like lithium, beryllium also differs from rest of the alkaline earth metals on account of its
small atomic size and high electro negativity. Be 2 ion is very small and exerts a high
polarizing effect in any anion associated with it.
1. Which is least thermally satble?
(A) Li2CO3 (B) MgCO3 (C) BaCO3 (D) BeCO3
2. Which of the following statements are true for IIA group elements?
(A) Lattice energy of oxides, carbonates, fluorides decreases from Be to Ba.
(B) All form nitrides in air.
(C) The solubility of the hydroxides increases from Be to Ba.
(D) All of the above are correct.
3. The solubility in water of sulphates down the IIA group is :
Be  Mg  Ca  Sr  Ba
Page 85 of 100
 (A) Increase in melting point. (B) Increasing molecular mass.
(C) Decreasing lattice energy. (D) High level of solvation for smaller ions.

Passage –19:
Metal nitrate (A) on heating decomposes, leaving a solid residue (B) which goes into
solution with [Link] . The solution of (B) gives a white precipitate with ammonium
carbonate solution. The precipitate (C) is dissolved in [Link] and the solution is treated
with potassium chromate to get yellow precipitate (D). The solution (B) with dil .H 2 SO4
also gives a white precipitate (E) insoluble in [Link] and nitric acid. The precipitate (E) is
a part of a white pigment lithopone.
1. The compound (E) is :
(A) BaSO4 (B) MgSO4 (C) CaSO4 (D) Na2 SO4
2. The yellow precipitate (D) is :
(A) PbCrO4 (B) BaCrO4 (C) CaCrO4 (D) None of these
3. The metal nitrate (A) is :
(A) Ca  NO3 2 (B) Pb  NO3 2 (C) Ba  NO3 2 (D) KNO3
4. The solid residue (B) is :
(A) CaO (B) PbO (C) ZnO (D) BaO

Passage –20:
Element (A) burns in nitrogen atmosphere to give an ionic compound (B). Compound (B)
gets hydrolysed by water giving (C) and (D). A solution of (C) becomes milky on passing
CO2 through it. Element (A) reacts quiet readily with cold water liberating hydrogen and
forming metal hydroxide.
1. Select the correct statement with respect to (D).
(A) It is a gas with a characteristic smell.
(B) It is pyramidal in shape.
(C) It can be obtained by hydrolysis of CaCN 2 .
(D) All of the above.
2. The compound is :
(A) Mg  OH 2 (B) CaO (C) Ca  OH 2 (D) NaOH
3. Which of the following is incorrect statement?
(A) Chloride of (A) imparts brick red colour to the flame.
(B) Compound (C) is basic.
(C) The solution of compound © is used for the test of carbonate ion.

Page 86 of 100
 (D) It does not liberate NH 3 when reacted with ammonium compounds.

 
 C a O H
 C a 3 N 2  H2 O
 H in t : 3 C a  N 2   2  2 N H 3 
 ( A) (B) (C ) (D ) 

MATRIX MATCH :
TYPE - 1:
1. Match the matrix :
Column-I Column-II
(Reaction) (Observation)
(A) Al  NaOH solution (1) NH 3 produce
(B) Zn  NaOH solution (2) H 2 produce
(C) NH 4Cl  NaOH solution (3)Redox reactions
(D) NO3  Zn  NaOH solution (4)Resulting solution contain Na2 ZnO2
2. Match the matrix :
Column-I Column-II
(Salt) (Physical/Chemical properties)
(A) Na2CO3 (1) Produce CO2 on heating at 10000 C
(B) NaHCO3 (2) Exist in solid form
(C) CaCO3 (3) Water Soluble
(D) Ca  HCO3 2 (4) Produce CO2 with dil. HCl
(5) Does not react with KMnO4 solution
[Link] the matrix :
Column-I Column-II
(Metal) (Characteristic)
(A) Li (1) Produce colour on flame
(B) Mg (2) Produce blue solution in liquid NH 3
(C) Na (3) Produce nitride directly with air
(D) Ca (4) Produce peroxide with excess of O2
(5) Produce H 2 with water (Hot/Cold)
4. Match the matrix :
Column-I Column-II
(Action on moist litmus paper) (Substance)
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(A) Red  Blue (1) K 2O
(B) Blue  Red (2) K 2O2
(C) Red  White (3) NH 3
(D) Blue  Blue (4) NO2
(5) CO
5. Match the matrix :
Column-I Column-II
(A) P 4  NaOH  (1) Disproportion reaction
(B) Cl 2  NaOH (cold )(dil.)  (2) Gases product
(C) Cl 2  NaOH ( hot )(conc.)  (3)One of the products has lowest O.N.
of underlined atom

(D) S  NaOH 
 (4)One of the products has highest
O.N. of underlined atom
(5)One of the products is used in fixing
of Black and White photography

6. Match the matrix :

Column-I Column-II

(A) Metal sulphate   metal oxide  SO2  O2 (1) Ba
(B) Metal cation  K 2CrO4 
 yellow ppt . (2) Sr
liquid
(C) Metal  NH 3   blue solution (3) Na
(D) MCl2  conc.H 2 SO4 
 white ppt . (4) Mg

7. Match the matrix :

Column-I Column-II

(A) Na2O2   (1) One of the products is diamagnetic
(i ) S 
(B) KO2 
( ii ) C 
 (2) one of the products acts as reducing agent
0
800 C
(C) NaNO3   (3) one of products acts as oxidizing agent

(D) BaCO3   (4) one of the products is a basic oxide

8. Match the matrix :

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 Column-I Column-II
(A) BeO  S  (1) Amphoteric in nature
(B) NaHCO3  crystalline  (2) Imparts characteristic colour to Bunsen flame.
(C) BeCl2  S  (3) Produce H 2O2 and O2 on reaction with water
(D) CsO2  S  (4) Show hydrogen bonding
(5) Has a chain structure
9. Match the matrix :
Column-I Column-II
(A) CaH 2 (1) Paramagnetic anion
(B) K 2O2 (2) Homodiatomic,diamagnetic anion
(C) KO2 (3) Neutral aqueous solution
(D) NaCl (4) Gives hydrogen on hydrolysis

10. Match the matrix :

Column-I Column-II

(A) Na2 SO4  C  CaCO3   (1)One of the part of any one of product

has sp 2 hybridization central atom

(B) NaCl  NH 4 HCO3 

 (2)One of the part of any one of product
has sp 3 hybridization of central atom
(C) Na2CO3  Ca  OH 2 
 (3) One of the products is insoluble as it
Precipitates.
(D) KOH  NO  2 : 4 by mole ratio  
 (4)One of the products is a neutral oxide.

11. Match the matrix :

Column-I Column-II
0
(A) Ca  OH 2  Cl2 
below 35 C
 (1) CaCl2  O2
( slaked lime )

(B) Ca  OH 2  Cl2 

cold
 (2) CaCl2  Ca  ClO3 2
( milk of lime )

(C) Ca  OH 2  Cl2 

hot
(3) Bleaching powder
( milk of lime )

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(D) Ca  OH 2  Cl2 
red hot
 (4) CaCl2  Ca  OCl 2
( slaked lime )

12. Match the metals in List-I with their ore in List-II and formula in List-III :
List-I List-II List-III
(A) Lithium (P) Kieserite (U) LiAlSi2O6
(B) Sodium (Q) Spodumene (V) NaNO3
(C) Calcium (R) Flurospar (W) MgSO4  H 2O
(D) Magnesium (S) Chile saltpetre (X) CaF2

13. Match the matrix :

List-I List-II List-III
(A) M  OH 2 (P) Solubility increases (U) Beryl
(B) MCO3 (Q) Thermal stability increses (V) milkof Magnesia
(C) MSO4 (R) Solubility decreases (W) Celeslite
(D) MH 2 (S) Thermal stability decreases (X) Witherite
A. Which of the following is correct combination about alkaline earth metal hydroxides?
1) A,P,V 2) A,Q,X 3) A,Q,W 4) D,R,X
B. Which of the following is correct combination about alkaline earth metal sulphates?
1) C,P,X 2) C,S,V 3) C,R,W 4) C,Q,V
C. Which of the following is incorrect combination?
1) B,Q,X 2) D,S,U 3) C,R,W 4) A,P,V
14. Match the matrix :
List-I List-II List-III

(A) Metal  NH 3 
 (P) Deep blue black (U)Gives apple green
solution colour in flame test

(B) Metal nitirate   (Q) Evolve reddish brown (V) It’s carbonate is mild
coloured gas abrasive in tooth paste

(C) MO  C  Cl2   (R) Central atom undergoes (W) In solid state it has

SP 3 Hybridization in solid state 3c  4e  bonds

(D) M  X 2 
 (S) As a constituent of sorel cement (X)The aqueous solution
of it’s hydroxide is an

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 antacid
A. The correct combination for the element which is used to remove air from vacuum pump
1) A,P,U 2) C,R,W 3) D,S,X 4) B,Q,V
B. The correct combination for the element which is used for making window of x-ray tubes
1) B,Q,U 2) C,R,W 3) D,S,X 4) A,Q,V
C. The correct combination for the element which is used in incendiary bomb and signals
1) A,P,U 2) B,Q,V 3) C,R,W 4) D,S,X

15. Match the matrix :

List-I List-II List-III
(A) Alkali metal with lead (P) White metal (U) Forms insoluble sulphate
(B) Liquid alkali metal (Q) Coolant in fast breeder (V) Given yellow colour
nuclear reactor in flame test
(C) Alkali metal chloride (R) Fertilizer (W) It’s bicarbonate
existing as dimer due to
intermolecular H-bond
(D) Alkaline earth metal with (S) Making high strength (X) It’s oxide is amphoteri
copper springs in nature
A. The correct combination about sodium
1) B,Q,V 2) A,Q,V 3) C,R,W 4) D,S,X
B. The correct combination for element which act as strong reducing agent
1) C,R,W 2) A,P,U 3) D,S,X 4) A,Q,X
C. The correct combination for element whose hydroxide is used in making soft soaps
1) A,P,V 2) B,Q,U 3) C,R,W 4) D,S,X

16. Match the matrix :

List-I List-II List-III
(A) CaCO3 (P) Density (U) Diamagnetic
(B) Ca  OH 2 (Q) Caustic (V) Calcite
(C) CaO (R)Manufacture of high quality (W)Resonance in anion
paper
(D) CaSO4 (S) Used in white washing (X) Alabaster
A. Gypsum on heating to 2000C produces the compound x incorrect combination about x is

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 1) D,P,X 2) D,W,X 3) D,Q,W 4) D,S,X
B. Which of the following is incorrect combination about Gossage process
1) B,Q,U 2) A,Q,X 3) A,R,W 4) B,Q,X
C. In the manufacture of Na2CO3 from NaOH , the correct combination is
1) D,P,X 2) B,S,V 3) A,P,X 4) C,Q,U
17. Match the matrix :
List-I List-II List-III
(A) Mg  OH 2 (P) Dimer (U) Milk of Magnesia
(B) BeCl2 (Q) Hydrolith (V) H2
(C) CaH 2 (R) Antacid (W) Sp 2
(D) BaSO4 (S) Water insoluble (X) Barytes

18. Match the matrix :

List-I List-II List-III
(A) Li3 N (P) Automobile air bags (U) Submarine
(B) LiCl (Q) Ether soluble (V) Diamagnetic
(C) KO2 (R) Paramagnetic (W) Coloured Compound
(D) Rb2O3 (S) Coloured compound (X) Humidity control
19. Match the matrix :
List-I List-II List-III
(A) Li (P) Super oxide (U) Metallic radii : 1.86 A0
(B) Na (Q) Photo voltaic cell (V) Crimson red flame
0
(C) K (R) Most –ve value of Ereduction (W) Ion has highest
Conductance in aq. solution
(D) Cs (S) Thermally stable carbonate (X) Eighth most abundant
element in the earth’s crust
20. Match List-I with List-II :
List-I List-II
(Compounds) (Use of Compounds)
(A) Magnesium oxide (1) Fertilizer
(B) Barium sulphate (2) Purgative
(C) Calcium cyanamide (3) As a constituent of sorel cement
(D) Magnesium sulphate (4) As a constituent of lithopone
(5) Refractory material
21. Match the matrix :

Page 92 of 100
 Column-I Column-II
(A) Li (1) Produce colour on flame
(B) Mg (2) Produce blue solution in [Link] 3
(C) Na (3) Produce nitride directly with air
(D) Ca (4)Produce peroxide with excess of O2 (main product)
(5) Produce H 2 with water (Hot / Cold)

22. Match the matrix :

Column-I Column-II
(Reactions) (Underline Reagent in given Reaction)

(A) Substance-1  NaOH   NaCl (1) CO2
 NH 3 (G )  H 2O
(B) Gas (G )  CO2  H 2O 
 Substance-2 (2) NaHCO3
Excess

(C) Substance-2  NaCl 

 Substance-3 (3) NH 4Cl
 NH 4Cl

(D) Substance-3   Na2CO3  H 2O  (4) NH 4 HCO3
Substance-4

TYPE - 2:
23. Consider given reaction sequence for given question.

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  Solution of BaCl2 Heated
KO2  S   Product  Product 
with carbon
 Product
 Pott . superoxide  K   L M 

HCl (aq.)

Product
N
List-I List-II
(Products in above Reaction) (Correct about product)
(A) Product - K (1) Gas at room temperature
(B) Product - L (2) Water soluble sulphate
(C) Product - M (3) Water insoluble sulphate
(D) Product - N (4) Used to prepare lithopone
with ZnSO4
Select correct code for your answer.
P Q R S
(A) 2 3 1 4
(B) 2 3 4 1
(C) 1 3 4 2
(D) 2 1 4 3

24. Match List-I with List-II :

List-I List-II
(Elements) (Characteristic)
(A) Li (1) ns 2 np 6 configuration in dipositive ion
(B) Be (2) Most electro positive in List-I
(C) K (3) No characteristic colour on Bunsen flame
(D) Ca (4) Produces hydrated perchlorate  MClO4  3H 2O 
Select correct code for your answer.
P Q R S
(A) 1 2 3 4
(B) 2 3 4 1
(C) 4 3 2 1
(D) 4 1 2 3

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25. Match List-I with List-II :
List-I List-II
(Electrolysis of) (Product)
(A) Aq. solution of NaCl (brine) (1) H 2 at cathode
(B) Fused NaCl (2) H 2 at anode
(C) Fused CaH 2 (3) Cl2 at anode
(D) Fused MgCl2  KCl (4) Na at cathode
Select correct code for your answer.
P Q R S
(A) 1 4 2 3
(B) 3 4 1 2
(C) 1 3 4 2
(D) 2 4 1 3

EXERCISE-5
ASSERTION – REASONING AND STATEMENT TYPE QUESTIONS :
Directions:
Each question has 5 choices (a), (b), (c), (d) and (e) out of which ONLY ONE is correct.
a) Statement-1 is True, Statement-2 is True; Statement-2 is a correct explanation for
Statement-1.
b) Statement-1 is True, Statement-2 is True, Statement-2 is NOT a correct explanation for
Statement-1.
c) Statement-1 is True, Statement-2 is False.
d) Statement-1 is False, Statement-2 is True.
e) Statement-1 and Statement-2 both are False.
1. Statement -1: In Castner-Kellner cell Na  is reduced at mercury cathode.
Page 95 of 100
 Statement -2: Standard reduction potential of hydrogen is higher than sodium.
2. Statement -1: Potassium and caesium are used in photo-electric cells.
Statement -2: Potassium and caesium emit electrons on exposure to light above certain
minimum frequency.
3. Statement -1: Beryllium does not impart any characteristic colour to Bunsen flame.
Statement -2: Due to its very high ionization energy, beryllium requires a large amount of
energy for excitation of the electrons.
4. Statement -1: In fused state, calcium chloride cannot be used to dry alcohol or NH 3 .
Statement -2: Anhy. CaCl2 is not a good desiccant.
5. Statement -1: Diagonal relationship is shown between Be and Al.
Statement -2: Ionization potential of Be is almost the same as that of Al.
6. Statement -1: BeCl2 fumes in moist air.
Statement -2: BeCl2 reacts with moisture to form HCl gas.
7. Statement -1: Calcium carbide on hydrolysis gives methane.
Statement -2: Calcium carbide contains C22 anion.
8. Statement -1: MgCO3 is soluble in water when a current of CO2 is passed.
Statement -2: The solubility of MgCO3 is due to the formation of Mg  HCO3 2 .
9. Statement -1: Lithium’s reaction with water is less vigorous than that of sodium.
Statement -2: Lithium has small size and very high hydration energy.
10. Statement -1: LiF and CsI have low solubility in water.
Statement -2: Both have high lattice enthalpy.

11. Statement -1: The alkali metals can form ionic hydrides which contain the hydride ion H  .
Statement -2: The alkali metals have low electro-negativity; their hydrides conduct
electricity when fused and liberate hydrogen at the anode.
12. Statement -1: Among the alkali metals, caesium salts exhibit the maximum electrical
conductance in aqueous solutions.
Statement -2: Bigger the radius of the hydrated cation, higher is the electrical conductance
of the aqueous solutions.
13. Statement -1: Sodium thiosulphate is used in photography.
Statement -2: Sodium thiosulphate is photosensitive.
14. Statement -1: All alkali metals do not form superoxides when heated in excess of air or
oxygen.
Statement -2: Superoxide reacts with CO producing white powder and liberating oxygen.

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15. Statement -1: Beryllium and magnesium do not impart characteristic colour to the Bunsen-
burner flame.
Statement -2: Both Beryllium and magnesium have high ionization energy.
16. Statement -1: Be  OH 2 dissolves in excess of NaOH .
Statement -2: Be  OH 2 is an amphoteric compound.
17. Statement -1: The fluorides of alkaline earth metals are almost insoluble in water.
Statement -2: The lattice energies of the fluorides of alkaline earth metals are very high.
18. Statement -1: The alkali metals are ordinary stored under non-reactive oil.
Statement -2: Alkali metals are prevented by air reduction.
19. Statement -1: Ca  OH 2 can be used to distinguish solution of Na2CO3 and solution of
NaHCO3 present in separate test tubes.
Statement -2: Ca  HCO3 2 is soluble in water but CaCO3 is not soluble in water.
20. Statement -1: Solubility of MgO, CaO, SrO, BaO decreases down the group.
Statement -2: Basic strength of oxides increases down the group.
21. Statement -1: BaO is an amphoteric oxide.
Statement -2: BaO reacts with HCl solution to produce BaCl2 solution.
22. Statement -1: Li and Mg both produce nitride with nitrogen.
Statement -2: Li and Mg both have outermost electron in s-subshell.
23. Statement -1: Caesium and potassium are used as a cathode in photoelectric cell.
Statement -2: The electrons emitted by the irradiation of light on metal are called
photoelectron.
24. Statement -1: Na2O is diamagnetic but Na2O2 is paramagnetic.
Statement -2: Na2O contains oxide ion but Na2O2 contains peroxide ion.
25. Statement -1: If NaOH and NaCl is added to the mixture containing
Ni 2 , Al 3 , Zn 2 , Fe3 only Fe3 and Al 3 get participated.
Statement -2: Solubility products of Ni  OH 2 and Zn  OH 2 are more than those of
Fe  OH 3 and Al  OH 3 .
26. Statement -1: K sp : order BaSO4  SrSO4  CaSO4 ; K sp  Solubility product .
Statement -2: Ba 2 having high cationic charge density, so covalent character is highest in
BaSO4 .
27. Statement -1: Magnesium is more malleable and ductile than sodium, because
Statement -2: First ionization energy of sodium is higher than that of Mg .

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28. Statement -1: Magnesium is extracted by the electrolysis of fused mixture of MgCl2 and
NaCl .
Statement -2: Sodium chloride acts as a reducing agent.
29. Statement -1: Of the various chlorides of alkaline earth metals BeCl2 is covalent in nature,
where as MgCl2 and CaCl2 are ionic compounds.
Statement -2: Be is the first member of Group-II.
30. Statement -1: Both Be and Al an form complexes such as BeF42 and AlF63 respectively.
BeF42 is not formed.
Statement -2: In case of Be , no vacant d-orbitals are present in its outermost shell.
31. Statement -1: Beryllium does not form peroxide because
Statement -2: Be 2 ion being of very small size cannot form a stable lattice with larger
peroxide ion.

PASSAGES :

1 B, C, A 2 A, C 3 D, C, C 4 B, D, A, A 5 C, C, D, C

6 D, B, C, A 7 D, B, A 8 B, B 9 A, B, A 10 A, B, A

11 C, A, B 12 A, D, A 13 B, C, A 14 C, B, C 15 B, C, B

16 D, C, D, B 17 C, A, D 18 D, D, D 19 A, B, C, D 20 D, C, D

MULTI MATRIX :
1. A – 2, 3; B – 2, 3, 4; C – 1; D – 1, 3, 4;
Page 98 of 100
2. A – 2, 3, 4, 5; B – 1, 2, 3, 4, 5; 24. C
C – 1, 2, 4, 5; D – 1, 3, 4, 5; 25. A
3. A – 1, 2, 4, 5; B – 3, 5;
C – 1, 2, 3, 5 D – 1, 2, 3, 5;
4. A – 1, 3; B – 4;
C – 2; D – 1, 3, 5;
5. A – 1, 2, 3, 4; B – 1, 3;
C – 1, 3, 4 D – 1, 2, 3, 4, 5;
6. A – 1, 2, 4; B – 1, 2;
C – 1, 2, 3 D – 1, 2;
7. A – 1, 3, 4; B – 1, 2;
C – 1, 3, 4 D – 1, 3, 4;
8. A – 1; B – 1, 2, 4, 5;
C – 5; D – 2, 3;
9. A – 4; B – 2;
C – 1; D – 3;
10. A – 1, 3, 4; B – 1, 2, 3;
C – 1, 3; D – 1, 2, 4;
11. A – 3; B – 4;
C – 2; D – 1;
12. A – Q, U; B – S, V;
C – R, X; D – P, W;
13. A – 1; B – 3;
C – 2;
14. A – 1; B – 2;
C – 2;
15. A – 1; B – 2;
C – 3;
16. A – 3; B – 2;
C – 4;
17. A – R, U; B – P, W;
C – Q, V; D – S, X;
18. A – P, W; B – Q, X;
C – R, U; D – S, V;
19. A – R, V; B – S, U;
C – A, X; D – Q, W;
20. A – 3, 5; B – 4;
C – 1; D – 2;
21. A – 1, 2, 3, 5; B – 3, 5;
C – 1, 2, 4, 5; D – 1, 2, 3, 5;
22. A – 3; B – 4;
C – 2; D – 1;
23. B
Page 99 of 100
 ASSERTION & REASONING :

1 B 2 A 3 A 4 C 5 A

6 A 7 D 8 A 9 A 10 C

11 A 12 C 13 C 14 B 15 A

16 B 17 A 18 C 19 D 20 D

21 D 22 B 23 B 24 D 24 D

26 C 27 C 28 C 29 B 30 A

31 A

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