APNI KAKSHA 1

APNI KAKSHA 2
 s-Block Elements
Group-1 (Alkali Metals)
Group-I elements have one electron in their valence shell. They do not occur in the native or free
state. These elements are collectively known as alkali metals because their oxides and hydroxides
form strong alkalis like NaOH, KOH, etc.
Q. Why are alkali metals not found in nature? [NCERT Exercise]
Sol. Alkali metals are highly reactive in nature. That’s why they always exist in combined state in
nature.
1. Electronic configuration: ns1 (Practice Questions in the End, Q.1, 2, 3, 4, 7, 10, 11, 16)
2. Physical state : Silvery white, soft and light
3. Atomic and ionic radii, volume : Li < Na < K < Rb < Cs < Fr
4. Density : Densities are quite low and increases from Li to Cs but K is lighter than Na due to
unusual increase in atomic size. Li, Na and K are lighter than water.
Density : Li < Na > K < Rb < Cs < Fr
5. Melting point and boiling points: Decrease in melting and boiling point from to Li to Cs due to
weak intermetallic bonding.
Q. 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
Sol: (d) Among alkali metals, melting point decreases as the strength of metallic bonding decreases
with increasing size of the atom. Thus, Cs has the lowest melting point (28.5°C) and will melt at
30°C.
6. Metallic character : Li < Na < K < Rb < Cs
7. Conductivity : Good conductor.
8. Oxidation state : +1 oxidation state.
9. Ionization enthalpy : Li > Na > K > Rb > Cs > Fr (Due to increase in atomic size).
10. Hydration of ions : Smaller the size of cation, greater degree of hydration
Radius in gas phase : Li+ < Na+ < K+ < Rb+ < Cs+.
Degree of hydration : Li+ > Na+ > K+ > Rb+ > Cs+.
Radius in aqueous : Li+(aq.) > Na+(aq.) > K+(aq.) > Rb+(aq.) > Cs+(aq.).
Hydration Energy : Li+ > Na+ > K+ > Rb+ > Cs+.
• Li+ has maximum degree of hydration and for this reason lithium salts are mostly hydrated, e.g.,
LiCl· 2H2O
11. The alkali metals are good conductors of heat and electricity.

APNI KAKSHA 3
12. Alkali metals (except Li) exhibit photoelectric effect.
Q. Why are potassium and caesium, rather than lithium used in photoelectric cells?
[NCERT Exercise]
Sol. Potassium and caesium have much lower ionization enthalpy than that of lithium. As a result,
these metals easily emit electrons on exposure to light. Due to this, K and Cs are used in
photoelectric cells rather than lithium.
13. Flame Test :
Li Crimson
Na Yellow
K Pale violet
Rb Red violet
Sc Blue
14. Reducing property: Strong reducing agent. Li is strongest reducing agent in solution.
Chemical Properties
(a) Reactivity towards air : The superoxide O2– ion is stable only in the presence of large cations
such as K, Rb, Cs.
4Li + O2 ⎯⎯
→ 2Li2O (oxide)
2Na + O2 ⎯⎯
→ Na2O2 (peroxide)
M + O2 ⎯⎯
→ MO2 (superoxide) (M = K, Rb, Cs)
(b) Reactivity towards water : All the alkali metals, their oxides, peroxides and superoxide’s readily
dissolve in water to produce corresponding hydroxides which are strong alkalis.
• 2Na + 2H2O ⎯⎯
→ 2NaOH + H2
• Na2O + 2H2O ⎯⎯
→ 2NaOH
• Na2O2 + 2H2O ⎯⎯
→ 2NaOH + H2O2
• 2KO2 + 2H2O ⎯⎯
→ 2KOH + H2O2 + O2
Q. Write balanced equations for reactions between. [NCERT Exercise]
(i) 𝐍𝐚𝟐 𝐎𝟐 and water (ii) 𝐊𝐎𝟐 and water (iii) 𝐍𝐚𝟐 𝐎 and 𝐂𝐎𝟐
Sol. (i) Na 2O2 + 2H2O ⎯⎯ → 2NaOH + H2O2

(ii) 2KO2 + 2H2O ⎯⎯

→ 2KOH + O2 + H2O2

(iii) Na 2O + CO2 ⎯⎯
→ Na 2CO3
(c) Reducing nature: The alkali metals are strong reducing agents, lithium being the most and
sodium the least powerful. The standard electrode potential (E) which measures the reducing
power represents the overall change :
• M(s) ⎯⎯
→ M(g) sublimation enthalpy

APNI KAKSHA 4
• M(g) ⎯⎯
→ M+ (g) + e– ionization enthalpy
• M+ (g) + H2O ⎯⎯
→ M+ (aq) hydration enthalpy
With the small size of its ion, lithium has the highest hydration enthalpy which accounts for its
high negative E value and its high reducing power.
(d) Solution in liquid ammonia : The alkali metals dissolve in liquid ammonia giving deep blue
solutions which are conducting in nature.
M + (x + y) NH3 ⎯⎯ → [M(NH3)x]+ + [e(NH3)y]–
• 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.
• The solutions are paramagnetic and on standing slowly liberate hydrogen resulting in the
formation of amide.
M+ (ammonia) + e– + NH3 (1) ⎯⎯
→ MNH2(ammonia) + ½H2 (g)
• In concentrated solution, the blue colour changes to bronze colour and becomes diamagnetic.
(e) The basic strength of these hydroxides increases as we move down the group Li to Cs.
Basic strength : LiOH < NaOH < KOH < RbOH < CsOH
(f) All these hydroxides are highly soluble in water and thermally stable except lithium hydroxide.
2LiOH ⎯⎯
→ Li2O + H2O
(g) Alkali metals hydroxides being strongly basic react with all acids forming salts.
NaOH + HCl ⎯⎯
→ NaCl + H2O
Halides of Alkali metals:
• M2O + 2HX ⎯⎯
→ 2MX + H2O (M = Li, Na, K, Rb or Cs)
• MOH + HX ⎯⎯
→ MX + H2O (X = F, Cl, Br or I)
• M2CO3 + 2HX ⎯⎯
→ 2MX + CO2 + H2O
Anomalous Behaviour of Lithium
Lithium, the first member of alkali metals differs in many properties form the other alkali-metals due
to the following reasons:
(i) Li has smallest atomic and ionic size in the group.
(ii) Li+ has highest polarizing power in its group which makes its compounds covalent.
(iii) Li has highest ionization energy, high heat of hydration, highest electro-negativity or minimum
electropositive character in its group.
(iv) Li does not have d-orbitals also.
Difference between lithium and other alkali metals
(i) Lithium is harder and higher than other alkali metals due to strong metallic bonding.
(ii) Its m. pt. and b. pt are higher than the rest of alkali metals.

APNI KAKSHA 5
(iii) Li on burning in air or oxygen forms monoxide while other alkali metals form higher oxides like
peroxides and superoxide’s.
(iv) LiHCO3 does not exist as solid but it occurs in solution. Other alkali metals bicarbonates are
known in solid state.
Q. In what ways lithium shows similarities to magnesium in its chemical behaviour?
[NCERT Exercise]
Sol. They both (Li and Mg) are diagonally placed in periodic table. So they have similar chemical
behaviour.
1. Both react with nitrogen to form nitrides.
2. Both react with O2 to form monoxides.
3. Both the elements have the tendency to form covalent compounds.
4. Both can form hydrated salts. For example : LiCl • 2H2 O & MgCl2 • 6H2 O
Some important compounds of alkali metals
Sodium Hydroxide, NaOH (Caustic soda)
1. Causticization process (Gossage process)
This process involves heating of sodium carbonate with milk of lime

Na2CO3 + Ca(OH)2 CaCO3 ↓ + 2NaOH.

2. Electrolysis of NaCl in Castner-Kellner cell.
Electrolysis of saturated aqueous solution of NaCl gives NaOH, Cl2 and H2.
𝐻𝑔
Cathode : Na+ + e– → Na – amalgam
1
Anode : Cl– ⎯⎯
→ Cl2 +e-
2

The amalgam is treated with water to give sodium hydroxide and hydrogen gas.

2Na-amalgam + 2H2O ⎯⎯
→ 2NaOH + 2Hg + H2

APNI KAKSHA 6
Properties:
Sodium hydroxide is a white translucent solid, it is readily soluble in water. Crystals of NaOH are
deliquescent (tendency to absorbed moisture from the air and dissolved in it).
Sodium Carbonate Decahydrate Na2CO3 . 10H2O (Washing soda)
Preparation
• Sodium carbonate is manufactured by Solvay process which is efficient and economic.
• In this process, advantage is taken of the low solubility of sodium hydrogencarbonate whereby it
gets precipitated in the reaction of sodium chloride with ammonium hydrogencarbonate.
• In this process compounds used as raw material are brine NaCl, NH3 and CaCO3.
H2 O+CO2 NaCl
NH3 + H2O + CO2 ⎯⎯
→ (NH4)2 CO3 → NH4HCO3 → NH4Cl + NaHCO3
Δ
NaHCO3 → Na2CO3 + H2O + CO2
• In this process NH3 is recovered when the solution containing NH4Cl is treated with Ca(OH)2.
Calcium chloride is obtained as a by-product.

2NH4Cl + Ca(OH)2 ⎯⎯
→ 2 NH3 + CaCl2 + H2O
Sodium Hydrogen carbonate Baking Soda NaHCO3
Sodium hydrogen carbonate is made by saturating a solution of sodium carbonate with carbon
dioxide. The white crystalline powder of sodium hydrogencarbonate, being less soluble, gets
separated out.
Na2CO3 + H2O + CO2 ⎯⎯
→ 2NaHCO3
Uses: Sodium hydrogencarbonate is a mild antiseptic for skin infections. It is used in fire
extinguishers.
Chemical Reaction:
H2O
H2CO3 + NaOH
H2SO4
Na2SO4 + H2CO3
H2O + CO2
NaHCO3
Na2CO3
H+
CO2
CaCl2
CaCO3 + 2NaCl
Ca(OH)2
2NaOH + CaCO3

APNI KAKSHA 7
 Group-2
Group-II (Alkaline Earth Metal) (Practice Question in the End, Q.5, 6, 9, 12, 13, 14, 15)
1. Electronic configuration : ns2
2. Atomic and ionic radii, volume : Small compared to Group I (due to extra nuclear charge).
Atomic and ionic radii increases from Be to Ra. Volume increases from Be to Ra.
Atomic radius : Be < Mg < Ca < Sr < Ba < Ra.
3. Density: Greater than alkali metals. Do not show regular trend due to difference in crystal
structure. Decreases from Be to Ca and increases upto Ra.
4. Melting point and boiling points: Decreases from Be to Ba.
5. Metallic character : Less compared to group-I.
Metallic character : Be < Mg < Ca < Sr < Ba < Ra.
6. Conductivity: Good conductor.
7. Oxidation state: +2 oxidation state.
8. Ionization enthalpy: Greater than alkali metals. Decreases down the group.
9. Hydration of ions: Smaller the size of cation, greater hydration.
Degree of hydration : Be+2 > Mg+2 > Ca+2 > Sr+2 > Ba+2 > Ra+2.
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.
10. Flame Test : Beryllium and Magnesium do not impart any colour to the flame as their atoms are
smaller and consequently require higher energies for excitation of the electrons to higher levels.
Ca Brisk red
Sr Crimson red
Ba Grassy green
Ra Crimson
Chemical Properties
Reaction with water:
• Mg + H2O ⎯⎯
→ MgO + H2
• Mg + 2H2O ⎯⎯
→ Mg(OH)2 + H2
• Ca + 2H2O ⎯⎯ → Ca(OH)2 + H2
Formation of oxides and nitrides:
Δ
• Be + O2 → 2BeO
Δ
• 3Be + N2 → Be3N2

APNI KAKSHA 8
 Δ
• Mg + air (O2 + N2) → MgO + Mg3N2
Reaction of nitrides:
Δ
• Ba3N2 + 6H2O → 3Ba(OH)2 + 2NH3
Δ
• Ca3N2 + 6H2O → 3Ca(OH)2 + 2NH3
(ii) Reactivity towards the halogens : Thermal decomposition of (NH4)2BeF4 is the best route for
the preparation of BeF2, and BeCl2 is conveniently made from the oxide.
600−800K
BeO + C + Cl2 BeCl2 + CO
(iii) Reactivity towards hydrogen: All the elements except beryllium combine with hydrogen upon
heating to form their hydrides, MH2.
BeH2, however, can be prepared by the reaction of BeCl2 with LiAlH4.
2BeCl2 + LiAlH4 ⎯⎯
→ 2BeH2 + LiCl + AlC3
(v) Reducing nature: Like alkali metals, the alkaline earth metals are strong reducing agents.
(vi) Solutions in liquid ammonia: Like alkali metals, the alkaline earth metals dissolve in liquid
ammonia to give deep blue black solutions forming ammoniated ions.
M + (x + y)NH3 ⎯⎯
→ [M(NH3)x]2+ + 2[e(NH3)y]–
(i) Oxides and Hydroxides: All these oxides except BeO are basic in nature and react with water to
form sparingly soluble hydroxides.
MO + H2O ⎯⎯
→ M(OH)2
The solubility, thermal stability and the basic character of these hydroxides increase with
increasing atomic number from Mg(OH)2 to Ba(OH)2.
Beryllium hydroxide is amphoteric in nature as it reacts with acid and alkali both.

Be(OH)2 + 2OH− ⎯⎯
→ [Be(H2O)4 ]Cl2
Beryllate ion

Be(OH)2 + 2HCl + 2H2O ⎯⎯

→ [Be(OH)4]Cl2
(ii) Halides: In the vapour phase BeCl2 tends to form a chloro-bridged dimer which dissociates into
the linear monomer at high temperatures of the order of 1200 K.
Anomalous Behaviour of Beryllium
• Be is harder than other members of its group.
• Be is lighter than Mg.
• Its melting and boiling points are higher than those of Mg & other members.
• Be does not react with water while Mg reacts with boiling water.
• BeO is amphoteric while MgO is weakly basic.
• Be forms covalent compounds whereas other members from ionic compounds.
Q. Draw the structure of (i) 𝐁𝐞𝐂𝐥𝟐 (vapour), (ii) 𝐁𝐞𝐂𝐥𝟐 (solid). [NCERT Exercise]
Sol. BeCl2 (vapour) BeCl2 (solid)

APNI KAKSHA 9
 In the vapour state, it exists as a
Cl Cl Cl
chlorobridged dimer.
Cl Be Be Be Be
Cl Be Be Cl
Cl Cl Cl Cl
Q. Metals form basic hydroxides. Which of the following metal hydroxide is the least basic?
(a) Mg(OH)2 (b) Ca(OH)2 [NCERT Exemplar]
(c) Sr(OH)2 (d) Ba(OH)2

Sol: (a) As the ionization enthalpy increases from Mg ⎯⎯ → Ba, the M – O bond becomes weaker
and weaker down the group and hence basicity increases down the group. Thus, Mg(OH)2 is
least basic.
Q. Some 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 Exemplar]
(a) BeCl2 (b) MgCl2
(c) CaCl2 (d) SrCl2
Sol: Due to small size, high electronegativity and high ionization enthalpy of Be, BeCl2 is covalent
and hence most soluble in organic solvents such as ethanol.

Important Compounds of Alkaline earth metals

Calcium oxide (CaO) or Quick Lime
Quick lime (CaO) is prepared by strong heating of lime stone (CaCO3) in lime kiln.
Smaller piece of limestone are introduced from the top and heating is done from lower end. Lime
stone decomposes at about 1000°C to give calcium oxide.
CaCO3 (s) ⎯⎯
→ CaO (s) + CO2(g) at 1000°C ; ΔH = 180 kJ/mol
Chemical Reaction:
HCl
CaCl2 + H2O
SiO2 / Δ
CaSiO3
P4O10 /Δ
Ca3(PO4)3
CaO SO2
CaSO3
C
CaC2 + CO
NH4Cl
CaCl2 + 2NH3 + H2O

APNI KAKSHA 10
 Calcium Carbonate (CaCO3)
Preparation
• Calcium carbonate is prepared in the laboratory by passing carbon dioxide gas into lime water.
Ca(OH)2 + CO2 ⎯⎯ → CaCO3 + H2O.
• Calcium carbonate is also obtained by adding the solution of a soluble carbonate to soluble
calcium salt.
CaCl2 (aq) + Na2CO3 (aq) ⎯⎯
→ CaCO3 + 2NaCl (aq).
Plaster of Paris (CaSO4. ½ H2O)
• Calcium sulphate with half molecule of water per molecule of the salt (semi-hydrate) is called
plaster of paris.
• It is prepared by heating gypsum (CaSO4.2H2O) at 120°C in in rotary kilns, where it gets partially
dehydrated.
120C
2(CaSO4 .H2O) ⎯⎯⎯ → 2(CaSO4 ).H2O + 3H2O

• The temperature should be kept below 140C otherwise further dehydration will take place
resulting in anhydrous CaSO4 which as dead burnt plaster because it loses the property of setting
with water.
1
CaSO4. H2O ⎯⎯⎯ H2O
→ CaSO4. H2O ⎯⎯⎯⎯ hardening
→CaSO4 . 2H2O
2
The first step is called the setting stage and the second, the hardening stage. The setting of plaster is
catalysed by sodium chloride, while it is reduced by borax, or alum.
Calcium Sulphate, (CaSO4.2H2O) – Gypsum
Preparation
• It can be prepared by reacting any calcium salt with either sulphuric acid or a soluble sulphate.
CaCl2 + H2SO4 ⎯⎯
→ CaSO4 + 2HCl
CaCl2 + Na2SO4 ⎯⎯
→ CaSO4 + 2NaCl.
Properties
• It is white crystalline solid. It is sparingly soluble in water.
• It dissolves in dilute acids.
• When strongly heated with carbon, it forms calcium sulphide.
• Gypsum when heated at different temperature gives burnt plaster and finally lime (CaO).
120C 200C
CaSO4. 2H2O ⎯⎯⎯ ⎯
heating
→ CaSO4. 2H2O ⎯⎯⎯ →2CaSO4 . 2H2O ⎯⎯⎯ → CaSO4
(monoclinic) (orthorombhic) bumt plaster

CaO + SO2 + O2
lime strong heating

APNI KAKSHA 11
Q. What happens when (i) magnesium is burnt in air, (ii) Quick lime is heated with silica (iii)
chlorine reacts with slaked lime (iv) calcium nitrate is heated? [NCERT Exercise]

Sol. (i) 2Mg ( s ) + O2 ( g ) ⎯⎯


→ 2MgO ( s )

(ii) CaO ( s ) + SiO2 ( s ) ⎯⎯


→ CaSiO3 ( s )

(iii) 2Ca ( OH )2 + 2Cl2 ⎯⎯

→ CaCl2 + Ca ( OCl )2 + 2H2O

(iv) 2Ca ( NO3 )2 ( s ) ⎯⎯


→ 2CaO ( s ) + 4NO2 ( g ) + O2 ( g )

Cement
• Composition of cement:
The average composition of Portland cement is
Compound Percentage
CaO 50 – 60%
SiO2 20 – 25%
Al2O3 5 – 10%
MgO 1 – 3%
Fe2O3 1 – 2%
SO3 1 – 2%
Na2O 1%
K2O 1%

Biological Importance or Significance of Magnesium

• Magnesium is essential for the activity of the various enzymes such as enzymes of glycolysis.
• It is the central atom present in chlorophyll (plant pigment necessary for photosynthesis).
• It is a cofactor for the breakdown of the fats and glucose.
• It is essential for the synthesis of the energy currency of the cell, that is, ATP.
• Responsible for the stability and synthesis of DNA.
• Maintains the electrolyte balance in the body.
Biological Importance of Calcium
• Maintains the anionic balance in the plant vacuole.
• Used to stabilize the permeability of cell membranes.
• Important for structure and function of proteins.
• Essential component during blood clotting.
Notes End

APNI KAKSHA 12
 Important NCERT Questions
Q1. Potassium carbonate cannot be prepared by Solvay process. Why? [NCERT Exercise]
Sol. Potassium carbonate being more soluble than sodium bicarbonate does not get precipitated
when CO2 is passed through a concentrated solution of KCl saturated with ammonia.
Q2: Alkali metals react with water vigorously to form hydroxides and dihydrogen. Which of
the following alkali metals reacts with water least vigorously? [NCERT Exemplar]
(a) Li (b) Na
(c) K (d) Cs
Sol: (a) Both melting point and heat of reaction of alkali metals with water decrease down the group
from Li to Cs. Although the heat of reaction of Li is the highest, but due to its high melting
point, even this heat is not sufficient to melt the metal, which exposes greater surface to water
for reaction. As a result, Li has the least reactivity but the reactivity increases as the melting
point of alkali metals decreases down the group from Li to Cs.
Q3: 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]
(a) Sublimation enthalpy (b) Ionisation enthalpy
(c) Hydration enthalpy (d) Electron-gain enthalpy
Sol: (c) Lithium has highest hydration enthalpy which accounts for its high negative E° value and its
high reducing power.
And we can write the lithium oxide formula on the basis of this, which is a balanced oxidation
state.
Q4. Why is 𝐋𝐢𝟐 𝐂𝐎𝟑 decomposed at a lower temperature whereas 𝐍𝐚𝟐 𝐂𝐎𝟑 at higher
temperature? [NCERT Exemplar]
Sol. Li2 CO3 is a covalent compound whereas Na2 CO3 is an ionic compound. Therefore, lattice
energy of Na2 CO3 is higher than that of Li2 CO3 . Thus, Li2 CO3 is decomposed at a lower
temperature. Li2 CO3 → Li2 O + CO2
Q5: Metal carbonates decompose on heating to give metal oxide and carbon dioxide. Which of
the metal carbonates is most stable thermally? [NCERT Exemplar]
(a) MgCO3 (b) CaCO3
(c) SrCO3 (d) BaCO3
Sol: (d) Thermal stability of metal carbonates increases as the electropositive character of the metal
increases. Thus, BaCO3 is the most stable.
Q6: Which of the carbonates given below is unstable in air and is kept in CO2 atmosphere to
avoid decomposition. [NCERT Exemplar]
(a) BeCO3 (b) MgCO3
(c) CaCO3 (d) BaCO3

APNI KAKSHA 13
Sol: (a) Due to least electropositive character or least basicity of Be, BeCO3 is less stable and hence
decomposes to give BeO and CO2.
BeCO3 ⎯⎯ → BeO + CO2
Since the decomposition reaction is reversible, therefore, to increase the stability of BeCO3 or
to reverse the above equilibrium, BeCO3 is kept in an atmosphere of CO2.
Q7: The order of decreasing ionisation enthalpy in alkali metals is [NCERT Exemplar]
(a) Na > Li > K > Rb (b) Rb < Na < K < Li
(c) Li > Na > K > Rb (d) K > Li > Na > Rb
Sol: (c) Ionization enthalpy decreases with increase in Size of the atom in a group. Hence, the order
is: Li > Na > K > Rb.
Q8: 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 water is due to [NCERT Exemplar]
(a) Ionic nature of lithium fluoride
(b) High lattice enthalpy
(c) High hydration enthalpy for lithium ion.
(d) Low ionisation enthalpy of lithium atom
Sol: (b) Due to small size of Li+ and F– ions, lattice enthalpy is much higher than hydration enthalpy
and hence LiF is least soluble among alkali metal fluorides.
Q9: Amphoteric hydroxides react with both alkalies and acids. Which of the following Group
2 metal hydroxides is soluble in sodium hydroxide? [NCERT Exemplar]
(a) Be(OH)2 (b) Mg(OH)2
(c) Ca(OH)2 (d) Ba(OH)2

Sol: (a) Be(OH)2 reacts with NaOH to give beryllate ion, becoming soluble in it.
Be(OH)2 + 20H– ⎯⎯ → [Be(OH)4]2
Q10: In the synthesis of sodium carbonate, the recovery of ammonia is done by treating NH4Cl
with Ca(OH)2. The by-product obtained in this process is [NCERT Exemplar]
(a) CaCl2 (b) NaCl
(c) NaOH (d) NaHCO3
Sol: (a) Sodium carbonate is synthesised by Solvay or ammonia soda process. The reactions
involved are
H2 O+CO2 NaCl
NH3 + H2O + CO2 ⎯⎯
→ (NH4)2 CO3 → NH4HCO3 → NH4Cl + NaHCO3 \
Δ
NaHCO3 → Na2CO3 + H2O + CO2
In this process NH3 is recovered when the solution containing NH4Cl is treated with Ca(OH)2.
Calcium chloride is obtained as a by-product.
2NH4Cl + Ca(OH)2 ⎯⎯
→ 2 NH3 + CaCl2 + H2O

APNI KAKSHA 14
Q11: 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]
(a) ammoniated electron (b) sodium ion
(c) sodium amide (d) ammoniated sodium ion

Sol: (a) M + (x + y) NH3 ⎯⎯

→ M+ (NH3)x + e–(NH3)y
The colour of solution (deep blue) is due to the ammoniated electron which absorbs energy in
the visible region.
Q12: By adding gypsum to cement [NCERT Exemplar]
(a) setting time of cement becomes less.
(b) setting time of cement increases.
(c) colour of cement becomes light.
(d) shining surface is obtained.
Sol: (b) Raw materials for cement are limestone, clay and gypsum. Cement is a dirty greyish heavy
powder containing calcium aluminates and silicates. Gypsum (CaSO4 -2H2O) is added to the
components to increase the setting time of cement so that it gets sufficiently hardened. Setting
of cement is an exothermic process and involves hydration of calcium aluminates and, silicates.
Q13: Dead burnt plaster is [NCERT Exemplar]
1
(a) CaSO4 (b) CaSO4. 2 H2 O

(c) CaSO4. H2O (d) CaSO4. 2H2O

Sol: (a) Plaster of Paris is prepared by heating gypsum at 120°C.

2CaSO4 • 2H2O ⎯⎯
→ (CaSO4 )2 • H2O+ 3H2O
Gypsum Plaster of Paris

On heating plaster of Paris at 200°C, it forms anhydrous calcium sulphate, i.e., dead plaster
which has no setting property as it absorbs water very slowly.
1 200C 1100C
CaSO4. H2O ⎯⎯⎯ →CaSO4 ⎯⎯⎯ ⎯
→ CaO + SO3
2 Anhydride

Q14: Suspension of slaked lime in water is known as [NCERT Exemplar]

(a) lime water (b) quick lime
(c) milk of lime (d) aqueous solution of slaked lime
Sol: (c) Suspension of slaked lime in water is known as milk of lime.
Q15: Which of the following elements does not form hydride by direct heating with
dihydrogen? [NCERT Exemplar]
(a) Be (b) Mg
(c) Sr (d) Ba

APNI KAKSHA 15
Sol: (a) Due to high ionization enthalpy and small size, Be does not react with hydrogen by direct
heating.
Q16: The formula soda ash is [NCERT Exemplar]
(a) Na2CO3.10H2O (b) Na2CO3.2H2O
(c) Na2CO3.H2O (d) Na2CO3
Sol: The answer is the option (iv) Soda ash is formed when Washing soda (Na2CO3.10H2O) loses
water of crystallization above 373K.

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APNI KAKSHA 16