Question:

What is the correct order of thermal stability of the following carbonates?
BaCO\(_3\), MgCO\(_3\), SrCO\(_3\), CaCO\(_3\)

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As you move down Group 2 in the periodic table, the cation size increases and its polarizing power decreases, making the carbonates more thermally stable.
Updated On: Apr 21, 2025
  • MgCO\(_3\) $<$ CaCO\(_3\) $<$ SrCO\(_3\) $<$ BaCO\(_3\)
  • BaCO\(_3\) $<$ SrCO\(_3\) $<$ CaCO\(_3\) $<$ MgCO\(_3\)
  • BaCO\(_3\) $>$ MgCO\(_3\) $>$ SrCO\(_3\) $>$ CaCO\(_3\)
  • MgCO\(_3\) $>$ CaCO\(_3\) $>$ SrCO\(_3\) $>$ BaCO\(_3\)
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The Correct Option is A

Solution and Explanation


Thermal stability of metal carbonates increases down the group in the periodic table. This is because larger cations (down the group) have lower polarizing power and hence stabilize the carbonate ion better, making them more thermally stable. - Group 2 elements: Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba.
- Order of size: Mg < Ca < Sr < Ba.
- Therefore, their carbonates' thermal stability increases in this order. Hence, the correct order of increasing thermal stability is: \[ \text{MgCO}_3 < \text{CaCO}_3 < \text{SrCO}_3 < \text{BaCO}_3 \]
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