Asked in PMC Practice Test 20 (2021) 2021Moderate

Carbonates of sodium are stable but carbonates of lithium are less stable because of?

Correct answer: C. Low charge density

  • A. Low electronegativity
  • B. Low electropositivity
  • C. Low charge density
  • D. Not known yet

Explanation

Carbonates of sodium are more stable compared to carbonates of lithium due to low charge density.Low charge density: Charge density refers to the ratio of the charge of an ion to its volume. Lithium ions (Li⁺) have a much higher charge density compared to sodium ions (Na⁺) due to the smaller size of lithium. This higher charge density leads to stronger interactions between lithium ions and the negatively charged carbonate ions (CO₃²⁻) in the carbonate compound. These stronger interactions make lithium carbonates less stable, as they are more prone to decomposition or dissociation.

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About Reactions of Group I Elements

Group I elements have one valence electron, so their reactivity increases down the group as ionisation energy decreases. Their reactions with water, oxygen, hydrogen and halogens produce hydroxides, oxides, hydrides and halides, while the behaviour of lithium differs from the heavier metals because of its small ionic size.

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