Q8 of 39 Page 305

Explain why can alkali and alkaline earth metals not be obtained by chemical reduction methods?

In the process of chemical reduction, oxides of metals are reduced using a stronger reducing agent. Alkali Earth metals are themselves reducing agents. They can’t be obtained by chemical reduction process because no better reducing agents are known than alkali earth metals.


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6

Compare the alkali metals and alkaline earth metals with respect to (i) ionization enthalpy (ii) basicity of oxides and (iii) solubility of hydroxides.

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In what ways lithium shows similarities to magnesium in its chemical behaviour?

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Why are potassium and caesium, rather than lithium used in photoelectric cells?

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When an alkali metal dissolves in liquid ammonia the solution can acquire different colours. Explain the reasons for this type of colour change.