Question:

Which of the carbonates given below is unstable in air and is kept in $CO_2$ atmosphere to avoid decomposition ?

Updated On: Jul 7, 2022
  • $BeCO_3$
  • $MgCO_3$
  • $CaCO_3$
  • $BaCO_3$
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The Correct Option is A

Solution and Explanation

Beryllium carbonate is unstable due to the smaller size of cation and larger size of anion (as smaller cation stabilizes smaller anion through crystal lattice energy) and can be kept only in the atmosphere of $CO _{2}$. The thermal stability increases with increasing cationic size. Hence, $BeCO _{3}$ is unstable in air.
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Top Questions on GROUP 1 ELEMENTS

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Concepts Used:

Group 1 Elements

Group one of alkali metals is s-block elements with just one electron in their s-orbital. They are are alkali metals. They are named so because of the alkaline nature of the hydroxides and oxides.

Alkali metals are characterized by one s-electron in the valence shell of their atoms.

Alkali metals have a corresponding [Noble gas] ns1 electronic configuration. They occupy the first column of the periodic table. Alkali elements are:

  • Lithium(Li)
  • Sodium(Na)
  • Potassium (K)
  • Rubidium (Ru)
  • Cesium (Cs)
  • Francium (Fr)

They have occupied successive periods from first to seven. Francium is a radioactive element with very low half-life.

Electronic Configuration:

  • Alkali metals have one electron in their valence shell.
  • The electronic configuration is given by ns1. For example, the electronic configuration of lithium is given by 1ns1 2ns1.
  • They tend to lose the outer shell electron to form cations with charge +1 (monovalent ions).

This makes them the most electropositive elements and due to the same reason, they are not found in the pure state.