Q. Which of the following statements are correct for alkali metal compounds? (i) Superoxides are paramagnetic in nature. (ii) The basic strength of hydroxides increases down the group. (iii) The conductivity of chlorides in their aqueous solutions decreases down the group. (iv) The basic nature of carbonates in aqueous solutions is due to cationic hydrolysis.

A) (i), (ii), and (iii) only
B) (i), and (ii), only
C) (ii), (iii) and (iv) only
D) (iii) and (iv) only
Explanation

(b)
(i) The alkali metal superoxides contain $O_{2}^{-}$ ion, which has an unpaired electron, hence they are paramagnetic in nature.
(ii) The basic character of alkali metal hydroxides increases on moving down the group.
(iii) The conductivity of alkali metal chlorides in their aqueous solution increases on moving down the group because in aqueous solution alkali metal chlorides ionize to give alkali metal ions. On moving down the group the size of alkali metal ion increases, thus degree of hydration decreases, due to this reason their conductivity in aqueous solution increases on moving down the group.
(iv) DIAGRAM
$CO_{3}^{2 -} + 2H_{2}O\ \rightarrow H_{2}CO_{3} + 2OH^{-}$
Thus, basic nature of carbonates in aqueous solution is due to anionic hydrolysis.

Dr. Abubacker
Reviewed by Dr. Abubacker

Physics Educator & NEET/JEE Specialist

Ph.D. in Physics with 19+ years of teaching experience.