1.

The hydroxides and carbonates of sodium and potassium are easily soluble while the corresponding salts of
magnesium and calcium are sparingly soluble in water. Explain.
2. Why do alkali metals form unipositive ions and impart characteristic colours to flame?
3. How would you explain ?
(i) BeO is insoluble but BeSO4 is soluble in water.
(ii) BaO is soluble but BaSO4 is insoluble in water.
4. How is BeCl2 prepared ? What is its structure in solid state and vapour state.
5. Pallets of potassium hydroxide become wet when exposed to air.
6. Which is the strongest reducing agent among alkali metals?
7. Why are alkali metals difficult to be reduced ?.
8. Why are alkali metals (except Li) kept in kerosene?
9. In aqueous solution , Li+ ions has the least mobility among alkali metals . Why?
10. Alkali metal ions are colourless as well as diamagnetic. Explain.
11. Lithium forms monoxide, sodium gives peroxide while the rest of the alkali metals form superoxide. Explain
12. Does Mg impart charateristic colour to the flame?
13. E1 value of Mg is more than that of Na while it’s E2 value is less. Explain.
14. What happens when
(i) Sodium metal is dropped in water ?
(ii) Sodium metal is heated in free supply of air ?
(iii) Sodium peroxide dissolves in water ?
15. LiF is least soluble among the fluorides of alkali metals. Explain.
16. Alkali metals are soft and can be cut with the help of a knife.
17. What is quick lime, slaked lime and lime water ?
18. The crystalline salts of alkaline earth metals contain more molecules of water of crystallisation than the
corresponding salts of alkali metals . Explain.
19. Why is LiF almost insoluble in water where as LiCl is soluble not only in water but also in acetone ?
20. When an alkali metal dissolves in liquid ammonia the solution acquires different colours. Explain the reasons
for this type of colour change.
21. Lithium is the only alkali metal to form a nitride directly. Why ?
22. LiI is more soluble than KI in ethanol.
23. Name the process used in the manufacture of Na2CO3 .
24. Sodium is prepared by electrolytic method and not by chemical method.
25. Why does a piece of burning Mg ribbon continues to burn in SO2? Give the name of product.
26. Arrange the following in decreasing order of ionic character . CaCl2, BeCl2 , BaCl2 , MgCl2, SrCl2.
27. Arrange the following in decreasing order of solubility in water .
(i) Be (OH)2, Ca(OH)2, Ba(OH)2 , Sr(OH)2 ; (ii) BaSO4 , MgSO4, CaSO4 , SrSO4
28. Beryllium chloride fumes in air . Why ?
29. Explain why alkaline earth metals are harder than alkali metals ?
30. Hydrated magnesium chloride cannot be dehydrated by heating .Why ?
31. Contrast the action of heat on the following and explain your answer.
(i) Na2CO3 and CaCO3 ; (ii) MgCl2 .6H2O and CaCl2.6H2O ;(iii) Ca(NO3)2 and NaNO3

Page # 21
SECTION (A) : ONLY ONE ANSWER IS CORRECT :
1. Alkali metals are not characterised by :
(A) good conductor of heat and electricity (B) high oxidation potentials
(C) high melting points (D) solubility in liquid ammonia
2. The substance X belonging to A group gives a pale violet colour in flame test, X is :
(A) NaCl (B) LiCl (C) KCl (D) None of these
3. Which of the following increases in magnitude as the atomic number of alkali metals increases?
(A) electronegativity (B) first ionisation potential
(C) ionic radius (D) melting point
4. Sodium has, as compared to potassium :
(A) less electronegativity (B) more ionisation potential
(C) larger atomic radius (D) lower melting point
5. The metallic lustre exhibited by sodium is explained by :
(A) diffusion of sodium ions (B) oscillation of mobile valence electrons
(C) existence of free protons (D) existence of body centred cubic lattice
6. Which of the following has the highest melting point?
(A) NaCl (B) NaF (C) NaBr (D) Na
7. In view of their ionisation energies, the alkali metals are :
(A) weak oxidising agents (B) strong reducing agents
(C) strong oxidising agents (D) weak reducing agents
8. Which of the following has lowest melting point?
(A) Li (B) Na (C) K (D) Cs
9. On dissolving large amount of sodium metal in liquid NH3 at low temperature, which one of the following
does not occur ?
(A) Blue coloured solution is obtained
(B) Na+ ions are formed in the solution
(C) Liquid NH 3 solution becomes good conductor of electricity
(D) Liquid NH 3 solution remains diamagnetic
10. A solution of sodium in liquid ammonia is strongly reducing due to the presence of
(A) sodium atoms (B) sodium hydride (C) sodium amide (D) solvated electrons
11. Which salt on heating does not give brown coloured gas ?
(A) LiNO3 (B) KNO3 (C) Pb(NO3)2 (D) AgNO3
12. Which of the following can not decompose on heating to give CO2?
(A) Li2CO3 (B) Na2CO3 (C) KHCO3 (D) BaCO3
13. Peroxide ion is present in
(A) MgO (B) CaO (C) Li2O (D) BaO2
14. Equimolar amounts of which of the following will give maximum hydrogen ion concentration?
(A) NaOH (B) KOH (C) LiOH (D) RbOH
15. The deep colour produced when iodine is dissolved in a solution of potassium iodide is caused by the
presence of:
(A) 2 (B) – (C)  3 (D)  2
16. Match the compounds /metal in (X) with their uses in (Y) :
X Y
A. liquid sodium metal  breathing apparatus in submarine
B. potassium stearate  explosive
C. potassium nitrate  coolant in nuclear reaction
D. potassium superoxide V soft soap
A B C D A B C D
(A)    V (B)  V  
(C)    V (D) V   

Page # 22
17. Which does not exist in solid state.
(A) NaHCO3 (B) NaHSO3 (C) LiHCO3 (D) CaCO3
18. Sodium metal can be stored under :
(A) benzene (B) kerosene (C) alcohol (D) water
19. Sodium burns in dry air to give :
(A) Na2O (B) Na2O2 (C) NaO2 (D) Na3N
20. LiAIH4 is used as :
(A) an oxidising agent (B) a reducing agent (C) a mordant (D) a water softener
21. Sodium sulphate is soluble in water whereas barium sulphate is sparingly soluble because :
(A) the hydration energy of sodium sulphate is more than its lattice energy
(B) the lattice energy of barium sulphate is less than its hydration energy
(C) the lattice energy has no role to play in solubility
(D) the hydration energy of sodium sulphate is less than its lattice energy
22. Strong reducing agent of alkali metals is :
(A) Li (B) Na (C) K (D) Cs
23. In certain matters, lithium differs from other alkali metals, the main reason for this is :
(A) small size of lithium atom and Li+ (B) extremely high electropositivity of Li
(C) greater hardness of Li (D) hydration of Li+ ion
24. Which reacts directly with nitrogen to form nitride ?
(A) Na (B) Li (C) K (D) Rb
25. Compounds of alkaline earth metals are less soluble in water than the corresponding alkali metal salts
due to:
(A) their high ionisation energy (B) their low electronegativity
(C) their low hydration energy (D) their high lattice energy
26. Which of the following is different from other three oxides ?
(A) MgO (B) SnO (C) ZnO (D) PbO
27. BeF2 is soluble in water, whereas, the fluorides of other alkaline earth metals are insoluble because of :
(A) ionic nature of BeF2
(B) greater hydration energy of Be2+ ion as compared to lattice energy
(C) covalent nature of BeF2
(D) none of these
28. Among LiCl, RbCl, BeCl 2, MgCl 2 the compounds with greatest and least ionic character respectively
are :
(A) LiCl, RbCl (B) RbCl, BeCl 2 (C) RbCl, MgCl2 (D) MgCl 2, BeCl 2
29. Following are the ionisation potential values of :
(I1) 899 kJ mol–1, (2) 1757 kJ mol–1 , (3) 15000 kJ mol–1
(A) Na (B) K (C) Be (D) Ne
30. Which is not s–block element :
(A) [Ar]4s2 3d10 4p6 5s1 (B) 1s2 2s2 2p1 (C) 1s2 2s1` 2p1 (D) [He] 2s2 2p6 3s1
31. The alkaline earth metals are :
(A) Na and K (B) Mg and Ca (C) Cu and Ag (D) Al and Fe
32. A fire work gave bright crimson light. It probably contained a salt of :
(A) Ca (B) Sr (C) Ba (D) Mg
33. The most electropositive amongst the alkaline earth metals is :
(A) Be (B) Mg (C) Ca (D) Ba
34. A chloride dissolves appreciably in cold water. When placed on a platinum wire in Bunsen flame, no distinctive
colour is noticed. What one is cation ?
(A) Mg2+ (B) Ba2+ (C) Pb2+ (D) Ca2+
35. Alkaline earth metal salts are :
(A) paramagnetic (B) diamagnetic (C) ferromagnetic (D) all

Page # 23
36. The first ionisation energies of alkaline earth metal are higher than those of the alkali metals. This is because:
(A) there is increase in the nuclear charge of the alkaline earth metal
(B) there is decrease in the nuclear charge of the alkaline earth metal
(C) there is no change in the nuclear charge
(D) none of these
37. The first ionisation potential (eV) of Be and B respectively are :
(A) 8.29, 9.32 (B) 9.32, 9.32 (C) 8.29, 8.29 (D) 9.32, 8.29
38. Which of the following is incorrect ?
(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 its very small size.
39. Among the alkaline earth metals, the element forming predominantly covalent compound is :
(A) Ba (B) Sr (C) Ca (D) Be
40. The set represnting the correct order of first ionisation potential is :
(A) K > Na > Li (B) Be > Mg > Ca (C) B > C > N (D) Ge > Si > C
41. Which of the following has maximum ionisation energy ?
(A) Ba  Ba+ + e– (B) Be  Be+ + e–
(C) Ca  Ca2+ + 2e– (D) Mg  Mg2+ + 2e–
42. Which of the following salts on heating gives a mixture of two gases ?
(A) Ba(NO3)2 (B) NaNO3 (C) KNO3 (D) RbNO3
43. Amongst the following hydroxides, the one which has the lowest value of Ksp at ordinary temperature is :
(A) Mg(OH)2 (B) Ca(OH)2 (C) Ba(OH)2 (D) Be(OH)2
44. Lithopone is a mixture of
(A) barium sulphate and zinc sulphide (B) barium sulphide and zinc sulphide
(C) calcium sulphate and zinc sulphide (D) calcium sulphide and zinc sulphide
45. A metal M readily forms water soluble sulphate MSO4, water insoluble hydroxide M (OH)2 and oxide MO
which becomes inert on heating. The hydroxide is soluble in NaOH. The M is :
(A) Be (B) Mg (C) Ca (D) Sr
46. A piece of magnesium ribbon was heated to redness in an atmosphere of nitrogen and on cooling water
was added, the gas evolved was :
(A) ammonia (B) hydrogen (C) nitrogen (D) oxygen
47. Which of the following metal carbonate is decomposed on heating ?
(A) Na2CO3 (B) MgCO3 (C) K2CO3 (D) Rb2CO3
48. The hydration energy of Mg2+
ions is higher than that of :
(A) Al3+ (B) Be2+ (C) Na+ (D) N
49. When magnesium burns in air, compounds of magnesium formed are magnesium oxide and :
(A) Mg3N2 (B) MgCO3 (C) Mg(NO3)2 (D) Mg(NO2)2
50. The right order of the solubility of sulphates of alkaline earth metals is :
(A) Be > Ca > Mg > Ba > Sr (B) Mg > Be > Ba > Ca > Sr
(C) Be > Mg > Ca > Sr > Ba (D) Mg > Ca > Ba > Be > Sr
51. Na and Li are placed in dry air. We get :
(A) NaOH, Na2O, Li2O (B) Na2O, Li2O (C) Na2O, Li2O, Li3N, NH3 (D) Na2O, Li3N, Li2O
52. Which of the following has lowest thermal stability ?
(A) Li2CO3 (B) Na2CO3 (C) K2CO3 (D) Rb2CO3
53. Which of the following is the strongest base ?
(A) Ca(OH)2 (B) Sr(OH)2 (C) Ba(OH)2 (D) Mg(OH)2

Page # 24
54. The name oxone is given to
(A) ozone (B) sodium peroxide (C) sodium oxide (D) sodamide
55. If NaOH is added to an aqueous solution of Zn2+ ions, a white
precipitate appears and on adding excess of
NaOH, the precipitate dissolves. In the solution, zinc exists in the :
(A) Anionic part (B) Cationic part
(C) both in anionic and cationic part (D) colloidal form
56. Zinc reacts with excess of caustic soda to form :
(A) Zn(OH)2 (B) ZnO (C) Na2ZnO2 (D) Zn(OH)2.ZnCO3
57. Sodium carbonate can be manufactured by Solvay’s process but potassium carbonate cannot be prepared
because:
(A) K2CO3 is more soluble (B) K2CO3 is less soluble
(C) KHCO3 is more soluble than NaHCO3 (D) KHCO3 is less soluble than NaHCO3
58. Plaster of Paris hardens by :
(A) giving off CO2 (B) utilising water (C) changing into CaCO3 (D) giving out water
59. A compound X on heating gives a colourless gas. The residue is dissolved in water to obtained Y.
Excess CO2 is bubbled through aqueous solution of Y, Z is formed. Z on gently heating gives back X.
The compound X is:
(A) CaCO3 (B) Na2CO3 (C) Ca(HCO3)2 (D) K2CO3
60. Intermediate formed by heating microcosmic salt and which froms coloured bead with coloured cation is :
(A) NH3 (B) H3PO3 (C) NaPO3 (D) H2O
61. When SO2 gas is passed into aqueous Na2CO3, product formed is :
(A) NaHSO4 (B) Na2 SO4 (C) NaHSO3 (D) ALL
62. The reaction of sodium thiosulphate with 2 gives :
(A) sodium sulphide (B) sodium sulphite (C) sodium sulphate (D) sodium tetrathionate
63. Electrolysis of fused NaCl will give :
(A) Na (B) NaOH (C) NaClO (D) NaClO3
64. The principal products obtained on heating iodine with concentrated caustic soda solution :
(A) NaIO + NaI (B) NaIO + NaIO3 (C) NaIO3 + NaI (D) NaIO4 + NaI
65. Washing soda has the formula :
(A) Na2CO3 (B) Na2CO3.H2O (C) Na2CO3.7H2O (D) Na2CO3.10H2O
66. Sodium carbonate on heating gives :
(A) CO2 (B) water vapours
(C) carbon dioxide + water vapour (D) none of these
67. Which one of the following electrolyte is used in Down’s process of extracting sodium metal ?
(A) NaCl + KCl + KF (B) NaCl (C) NaOH + KCl + KF (D) NaCl + NaOH
68. Plaster of Paris is :
(A) CaSO4 (B) CaSO4. H2O (C) 2CaSO4.H2O (D) CaSO4.2H2O
69. If CO2 is passed in excess into lime water, the milkiness first formed disappears due to :
(A) reversal of original reaction (B) formation of volatile calcium bicarbonate
(C) formation of soluble calcium bicarbonate (D) formation of soluble magnesium hydroxide
70. Molecular formula of Glauber’s salt is :
(A) MgSO4. 7H2O (B) CuSO4. 5H2O (C) Na2SO4. 10H2O (D) FeSO4. 7H2O
71. The colour of iodine solution is discharged by shaking it with aqueous solution of :
(A) H2SO4 (B) sodium sulphide (C) sodium sulphate (D) sodium thiosulphate
72. Sodium carbonate is prepared by:
(A) Solvay’s process (B) Kolbe’s process (C) Contact process (D) Nessler’s process

Page # 25
73. Na2S2O3.5H2O is used in photography to :
(A) reduce AgBr to metallic Ag
(B) remove reduced Ag
(C) remove undecomposed AgBr as a soluble complex
(D) convert metallic Ag to silver salt
74. Calcium is extracted by the electrolysis of :
(A) Fused mixture of CaCl2 and CaF2 (B) CaCl2 solution
(C) Fused mixture of CaCl2 and NaF (D) Ca3(PO4)2 solution
75. At high temperature, nitrogen combines with CaC2 to give :
(A) calcium cyanide (B) calcium cyanamide (C) Calcium carbonate (D) calcium nitride
76. Identify the correct statement :
(A) Gypsum contains a lower percentage of calcium than Plaster of Paris
(B) Gypsum is obtained by heating Plaster of Paris
(C) Plaster of Paris is obtained by hydration of gypsum
(D) Plaster of Paris is obtained by partial oxidation of gypsum
77. Of the following the commonly used in the laboratory dessicator is :
(A) Na2CO3 (B) CaCl2 (C) NaCl (D) CaCO3
78. K2O can be prepared by
(A) burning metallic potassium in air. (B) passing oxygen in liquid ammonia.
(C) reducing KNO 3 with metallic potassium. (D) reducing K2SO4 with porous graphite.
79. Which of the following statement is not correct ?
(A) KOH is a stronger alkali than NaOH.
(B) Milk of magnesia is aqueous suspension of Mg(OH)2.
(C) MgO is a refractory material used for lining electrical furnaces.
(D) Mg(OH)2 precipitates on heating hydrated MgCl2.
80. Anhydrone is
(A) NaClO3 (B) NaClO4 (C) KClO3 (D) Mg(ClO4)2
81. What are the products formed when an aqueous solution of magnesium bicarbonate is boiled:
(A) MgCO3, H 2O, CO2 (B) Mg(HCO3)2, H2O
(C) Mg(OH)2, H2O (D) Mg, CO2, H 2O
82. When hydated MgCl 2. 6H 2O is strongly heated :
(A) MgO is formed (B) Mg(OH) 2 is formed
(C) Mg(OH)Cl is formed (D) anhydrous MgCl 2 is formed
83. Anhydrous MgCl 2 may be obtained by heating MgCl 2. 6H 2O
(A) until it fuses (B) with lime
(C) with coal (D) in a current of dry HCl
84. Carnallite is :
(A) KCl (B) LiAl(SiO3)2 (C) MgCl2.6H2O (D) KCl.MgCl2.6H2O
85. The mixture of MgCl2 and MgO is called :
(A) sorel cement (B) mixed salt (C) portland cement (D) magnesium oxychloride

SECTION (B) : ONE OR MORE THAN ONE CORRECT ANSWER :

86. Alkali metals are characterised by
(A) Good conductor of heat and electricity (B) High oxidation potentials
(C) High melting points (D) Solubility in liquid ammonia.
87. Which is/are not correct configuration of s–block elements :
(A) (Ar) 3d10 4s2 (B) (Ar) 3d10 4s1 (C) (Ar) 4s2 (D) (Ar) 4s1

Page # 26
88. Highly pure dilute solution of sodium in liquid ammonia
(A) Shows blue colour (B) Exhibits electrical conductivity
(C) Produces sodium amide (D) Products hydrogen gas
89. Nitrate can be converted into metal oxide on heating in case of :
(A) Li (B) Na (C) Mg (D) None of these
90. Select correct statement (s) :
(A) Li2CO3 is only sparingly soluble in water and no LiHCO3 has been isolated.
(B) K2CO3 cannot be made by a method similar to the ammonia – soda process.
(C) Li2CO3 and MgCO3 both are thermally stable.
(D) Na2CO3 . NaHCO3 . 2H2O is a mineral called trona.

91. Select correct statement (s) :

(A) stability of peroxides and superoxides of alkali metals increases with increase in size of the metal
ion
(B) increase in stability in (A) is due to stabilisation of large anions by larger cations through lattice
energy effects.
(C) the low solubility of LiF is due to its high lattice energy whereas low solubility of CsI is due to smaller
hydration energy .
(D) NaOH does not form hydrated salt.
92. Flame test is not given by
(A) Be (B) Mg (C) Ca (D) Sr
93. Be and Al resemble in :
(A) both become passive on reaction with HNO3 due to formation of oxide layer
(B) their chlorides are Lewis acids
(C) chlorides exist in polymeric form
(D) hydroxides are soluble in alkali as well as in acid
94. Going down to  A group, following properties decrease :
(A) solubility of sulphates in H2O (B) hydration energy
(C) thermal stability of carbonates (D) ionic radius in water.
95. Which is/are true statements ?
(A) The heats of hydration of the dipositive alkaline earth metal ions decrease with an increase in their
ionic size.
(B) Hydration of alkali metal ion is less than that of  A.
(C) Alkaline earth metal ions, because of their much larger charge to size ratio, exert a much stronger
Electrostatic attraction on the oxygen of water molecule surrounding them.
(D) None
96. In water :
(A) temporary hardness is due to the bicarbonates of Ca2+ and Mg2+
(B) permanent hardness is due to chlorides and sulphates of Ca2+ and Mg2+
(C) hardness can be removed by adding phosphates.
(D) none is correct.
97. Sodium sulphate is soluble in water but barium sulphate is sparingly soluble because :
(A) the hydration energy of Na2SO4 is more than its lattice energy
(B) the lattice energy of BaSO4 is more than its hydration energy
(C) the lattice energy has no role to play in solubility
(D) the lattice energy of Na2SO4 is more than its hydration energy
98. Be and Al have following resemblance due to diagonal relationship :
(A) have nearly equal electronegativity (B) form amphoteric oxides
(C) have same charge/radius ratio (D) both form dimeric halides
99. The pairs of compound which cannot exist together in aqueous solution are
(A) NaH2 PO4 and Na2HPO4 (B) Na2 CO3 and NaHCO3
(C) NaOH and NaH2 PO4 (D) NaHCO3 and NaOH.

Page # 27
SECTION (A) : OBJECTIVE

1. STATEMENT-1 : Alkali metals dissolve in liquid ammonia to give blue solutions. [JEE - 2007]
because
STATEMENT-2 : Alkali metals in liquid ammonia give solvated species of the type [M(NH3)n]+ (M = alkali
metals).
(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
2. MgSO4 + NH4Cl + Na2HPO4 white crystalline precipitate. [JEE - 2006]
(A) MgCl2. MgSO4 (B) MgSO4 (C) Mg(NH4)PO4 (D) Mg(PO4)2

3. The set representing the correct order of first ionization potential is

(A) K > Na > Li (B) Be > Mg > Ca (C) B > C > N (D) Ge > Si > C [JEE - 2001]
4. Halides of alkaline earth metals form hydrates such as MgCl 2.6H2O, CaCl2,.6H2O, BaCl2.2H2O and
SrCl2.2H2O. This shows that halides of group 2 elements.
(A) are hygroscopic in nature (B) act as dehydrating agents
(C) can absorbs moisture from air (D) all of the above [JEE - 2000]
5. A metal X on heating in nitrogen gas gives Y.Y on treatment with H2O gives a colourless gas which when
passed through CuSO4 solution gives a blue colour. Y is
(A) Mg(NO3)2 (B) Mg3N2 (C) NaN3 (D) MgO [JEE - 2000]
6. Highly pure dilute solution of sodium in liquid ammonia :
(A) shows blue colour (B) exhibits electrical conductivity
(C) produces sodium amide (D) produces hydrogen gas [JEE - 1998]
7. Sodium nitrate decomposes above 800°C to give [JEE - 1998]
(A) N2 (B) O2 (C) NO2 (D) Na2O
8. Among KO2, AlO2–, BaO2 and NO2+ , unpaired electron is present in [JEE - 1997]
(A) NO2+ and BaO2+ (B) KO2 and AlO2– (C) KO2 only (D) BaO2 only
9. Property of the alkaline earth metals that increases with their atomic number is -
(A) Ionisation energy (B) solubility of their hydroxides
(C) solubility of their sulphates (D) Electronegativity [JEE - 1997]
10. Which of the following statements is correct for CsBr3 ? [JEE - 1996]
(A) it is a covalent compound (B) It contains Cs3+ and Br– ions
(C) It contains Cs+ and Br3– ions (D) It contains Cs+, Br– and Br2 molecule
11. The following compounds have been arranged in order of their increasing thermal stabilities. Identify the
correct order. [JEE - 1996]
K2CO3 (), MgCO3 (), CaCO3 (), BeCO3(V)
(A)  <  <  < V (B) V <  <  <  (C) V <  <  <  (D)  < V <  < .
12. The decreasing order of the second ionization potential of K, Ca and Ba is [JEE - 1993]
(A) K > Ca > Ba (B) Ca > Ba > K (C) Ba > K > Ca (D) K > Ba > Ca
13. Amongst the following hydroxides, the one which has the lowest value of KSP at ordinary temperature (about
25°C) is [JEE - 1990]
(A) Mg(OH)2 (B) Ca(OH)2 (C) Ba(OH)2 (D) Be(OH)2
14. The metallic lustre exhibited by sodium is explained by [JEE - 1987]
(A) Diffusion of sodium ions (B) Oscillation of loose electrons
(C) Excitation of free protons (D) Existence of body centred cubic lattice.

Page # 28
15. The compound insoluble in acetic acid is [JEE - 1986]
(A) Calcium oxide (B) Calcium carbonate (C) Calcium oxalate (D) Calcium hydroxide
16. The pair of compounds which cannot exist together in solution is [JEE - 1986]
(A) NaHCO3 and NaOH (B) NaHCO3 and H2O
(C) NaHCO3 and Na2CO3 (D) Na2 CO3 and NaOH
17. Molecular formula of Glauber’s salt is [JEE - 1985]
(A) MgSO4 . 7 H2O (B) CuSO4 . 5 H2O (C) FeSO4 . 7 H2O (D) Na2 SO4 . 10 H2O
18. Nitrogen dioxide cannot be prepared by heating [JEE - 1985]
(A) KNO3 (B) Pb(NO3)2 (C) Cu(NO3)2 (D) AgNO3
19. The hydration energy of Mg2+ ions is larger than that of [JEE - 1984]
(A) Al3+ (B) Na+ (C) Be2+ (D) Mg3+
20. Solution of sodium metal in liquid ammonia is strongly reducing due to the presence in solution of the
following [JEE - 1981]
(A) Sodium hydride (B) Sodium amide (C) Sodium atoms (D) Solvated electrons

SECTION (B) : SUBJECTIVE

1. Identify the following :
SO 2 Na 2 CO 2 elements S 2
Na2CO3  A    B  C  D

Also mention the oxidation state of S in all the compounds. [JEE - 2003]

2. The solubility of calcium acetate decreases while that of lead nitrate increases which increase in temperature.
[REE - 2000]
3. Beryllium chloride shows acidic nature in water or why BeCl2 is easily hydrolysed ? [JEE - 1999]
4. The Solvay process can be represented by the following scheme : [JEE - 1999]

CaCO3
NH3 + H2O

H2O CaO + CO2

B

A NaHCO3 + D NaCl

C + H2O
NH3+ H2O + E

Identify A, B, C, D and E.
5. A white solid is either Na2O or Na2O2. A piece of red litmus paper turns white when it is dipped into a freshly
made aqueous solution of the white solid.
(i) Identify the substance and explain with balanced equation.
(ii) Explain what would happen to the red litmus if the white solid were the other compound. [JEE -1999]
6. Between Na+ and Ag+, which is a stronger Lewis acid and why ? [JEE - 1997]
7. The crystalline salts of alkaline earth metals contain more water of crystallisation then the corresponding
alkali metal salts, why ? [JEE - 1997]
8. Arrange the following sulphates of alkaline earth metals in order of their decreasing thermal stability. BeSO4,
MgSO4, CaSO4, SrSO4. [JEE - 1997]
9. Element (A) burns in nitrogen to give an ionic compound B. Compound B reacts with water to give (C) and
(D). A solution of (C) becomes milky on bubbling CO2. Identify (A) to (D). [JEE - 1997]

Page # 29
10. (i) An ionrganic compound (A) is formed on passing a gas (B) through a concentrated liquor containing
sodium sulphide and sodium sulphite.
(ii) On adding (A) into a dilute solution of silver nitrate, a white precipitate appeares which quickly changes
into a black coloured compound (C).
(iii) On adding two or three drops of ferric chloride into the excess of solution of (A), a violet coloured
compound (D) is formed. This colour disappears quickly.
(iv) On adding a solution of (A) into the solution of cupric chloride, a white precipitate is first formed which
dissolves on adding excess of (A) forming a compound (E).
Identify (A) to (E) and give chemical equations for the reactions at steps (i) to (iv). [REE - 1996]
11. When gas (A) is passed through dry KOH at low temperature, a deep red coloured compound (B) and a gas
(C) are obtained. The gas (A) on reaction with but–2-ene followed by treatment with Zn/H2O yields acetaldehyde.
Identify (A), (B) and (C). [JEE - 1994]
12. (A) is binary compound of a univalent metal. 1.422 g of (A) reacts completely with 0.321 g of sulphur in an
evacuated and sealed tube to give 1.743 g of a white crystalline soild (B) that formed a hydrated double salt
(C) with Al2(SO4)3. Identify (A), (B) and (C). [JEE -1994]
13. Arrange MgO, SrO, K2O, NiO, Cs2O in their increasing order of basic nature. [JEE - 1991]
14. A compound [X] imparts a golden yellow flame and shows the following reactions :
(i) Zinc powder when boiled with a concentrated aqueous solution of [X] dissolves and hydrogen is evolved.
(ii) When an aqeous solution of (X) is added to an aqueous solution of stannous chloride, a white precipitate
is obtained first which dissovles in excess of solution of (X). Identify (X) and write equations at step (i) and (ii).
[REE - 1990]

Page # 30
EXERCISE - 1
1. Alkaline earth metal cations possess high lattice energy due to their small size and higher charge. The
hydration energy can not compensate for the energy required to break the lattice in these compounds.
2. As removal of IInd electron from inert gas configuration requires very high energy, therefore, they form
unipositive ions. As IE1 of these metals are low, the excitation of electrons can be done by providing the less
energy. This much of energy can be given by Bunsen flame.
3. (i) Be2+ & O2– smaller in size & thus higher lattice energy and lattice energy is greater than hydration energy
in BeO where as in BeSO4 lattice energy is less due to bigger sulphate ion and is soluble.
(ii) In BaSO4 lattice energy is greater than hydration energy while in BaO lattice energy is smaller than
hydration energy.

4. 600  800K
BeO + C + Cl2    BeCl2 + CO ; In vapour state it exists as linear molecule where as in solid it has
polymeric strucutre.
5. Highly deliquescent absorbs moisture from air and their surface become wet.

6. Lithium
7. Because of low IE1 & high electro positive character they are themselves strong reducing agent.
8. Highly reactive elements as their IE1 values are low.
9. Because of smallest size of Li+, it has higher degree of hydration and has bigger hydrated ions. Hence Li+
has least mobility.
10. In unipositive ions all electrons are paired.
11. Smaller cation is stabilised by smaller anion & bigger cation is stabilised by bigger anion.
12. No, as its IE1 is very high & therefore requires higher energy for excitation of electron. This much of energy
can not be provided by Bunsen flame.

13. Removal of IInd electron from Na+ takes place from inert gas configuration.

14. (i) Na + H2O  NaOH + 1/2H2

(ii) 2Na + O2  Na2O2
(iii) Na2O2 + H2O  2NaOH + 1/2O2
15. Li+ being smallest has highest polarising power, hence most covalent in character. So least soluble in H2O.
16. Due to large atomic size & only one valence electron per atom, alkali metals have weak metallic bonds as
inter particle forces.
17. Quick lime is CaO, slaked lime is Ca(OH)2 and lime water is a clear solution of calcium hydroxide in water.
18. Higher positive charge density on alkaline earth metal cations attract more no. of water molceules leading to
higher degree of hydration.
19. Li+ & F– are smaller & possess higher lattice energy therefore almost insoluble in water.LiCl has ionic as well
as covalent character.
20. Refer text.
21. It being strongest reducing agent converts N2 into N3– .
22. ‘Like dissolves like’ LiI more covalent while KI is more ionic.
23. Ammonia soda process or Solvey process.
24. As Na itself is a strong reducing agent & more electro positive element.
25. Mg acts as strong reducing agent & reduces SO2 to S thus utilises its oxygen for burning.

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 2Mg + SO2  2MgO + S
26. BaCl2 > SrCl2 > CaCl2 > MgCl2 > BeCl2.
27. (i) Ba(OH)2 > Sr(OH)2 > Ca(OH)2 > Be(OH)2 ; (ii) MgSO4 > CaSO4 > SrSO4 > BaSO4

28. Due to the formation of HCl on hydrolysis

BeCl2 + H2O  Be(OH)2 + 2HCl
29. Due to greater nuclear charge and small size, there is greater interparticle forces & thus pack more tightly in
solid lattice.
30. Being covalent gets hydrolysed forming MgO.

MgCl2. 6H2O  MgO + 2HCl + 5H2O

31. (i) 
Na2CO3  
No change (stable to heat ; CaCO3  CaO + CO2

(ii) 
MgCl2. 6H2O  
MgO + 2HCl + 5H2O ; CaCl2. 6H2O  CaCl2 + 6H2O

(iii) 
Ca(NO3)2  
CaO + 2NO2 + 1/2O2 ; NaNO3  NaNO2 + 1/2O2

EXERCISE - 2
SECTION (A, B)

Q.No. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Ans. C C C B B B B D D D
Q.No. 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20
Ans. B B D C C B C B B B
Q.No. 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30
Ans. A A A B D A B B C B
Q.No. 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40
Ans. B B D A B A D C D B
Q.No. 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50
Ans. D A D A A A B C A A
Q.No. 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60
Ans. D A C B A C C B A C
Q.No. 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70
Ans. D D A C D D A C C C
Q.No. 71 72 73 74 75 76 77 78 79 80
Ans. D A C A B A B C D D
Q.No. 81 82 83 84 85 86 87 88 89 90
Ans. A A D D A ABD AB AB AC ABD
Q.No. 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99
Ans. ABC AB ABCD ABD ABC ABC AB ABCD CD

EXERCISE - 3
SECTION (A) :

Q.No. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Ans. B C B D B AB ABD C B C
Q.No. 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20
Ans. B A D B C A D A B D

SECTION (B) :
1. A = NaHSO3, B = Na2SO3 , C = Na2S2O3 D = Na2S4O6

2. (CH3COO)2 Ca shows exothermic dissolution whereas Pb(NO3)2 shows endothermic dissolution. According
to Le-Chatelier priniciple the solubility of (CH3COO)2 Ca decreases and solubility of Pb(NO3)2 increases with
temperature.

Page # 32
3. BeCl2 is salt of weak base Be(OH)2 and strong acid HCl and thus undergoes hydrolysis to result in an acidic
solution in water. BeCl2 + H2O  hydration 2+ –
  [Be(H2O)2] + 2Cl
Beryllium chloride is acidic when dissolved in pure water because the hydrated ions hydrolyses, producing
H3O+. The Be2+ ions are easily hydrated first because of high charge-size ratio. The hydrolysis happens
because the Be–O bond is very strong and so in the hydrated ion this weakens the O – H bonds hence there
is a tendency to lose protons. [Be(H2O]2+ + H2O 
hydration

+ +
 [Be(H2O)3 OH] + H3 O
4. A = Ca(OH)2, B = NH4HCO3 , C = Na2CO3, D = NH4Cl, E = CaCl2
5. (i) Na2O2 is powerful oxidant and bleaching agent and bleaches red litmus paper to white in aqueous solution
state. Na2O2 + 2H2O 2NaOH + H2O + [O]
(ii) The other compound Na2O will give NaOH on dissolution in water. The red litmus will turn to blue.
6. Ag+ ; because Ag+ has pseudo noble gas configuration which makes it more polarising and therfore stronger
acid.
7. Alkaline earth metals have smaller size and more nuclear charge. So higher degree of hydration.
8. SrSO4 > CaSO4 > MgSO4 > BeSO4
9. A = Mg, B = Mg3N2, C = Mg(OH)2 , D = NH3 ,  (A) may be Ca or Ba
10. A = Na2S2O3, B = I2 ; C = Ag2S, D = [Fe(S2O3)2]– , E = Na4[Cu6(S2O3)5]
11. (A) = O3, (B) = KO3, (C) = O2 12. (A) = KO2 ; B = K2SO4 (C) = K2SO4. Al2(SO4)3.24H2O
13. NiO < MgO < SrO < K2O < Cs2O 14. [X] = NaOH

Page # 33