Question

A new metal X is discovered and it is found to be between potassium and sodium in the activity series.
State the reactions (if any) that would take place when the following experiments are carried out with the compounds of X. Give balanced equations wherever possible.
i. the carbonate is heated.
ii. the nitrate is heated.
iii. the oxide is heated.
iv. the hydroxide is heated.

Answer 1

Metal X is found to be between potassium and sodium in the activity series.

1. The carbonate is heated

• The metal X lies between potassium and sodium hence, would be very reactive. Also, its carbonate would be highly stable and would not decompose on heating.

ii. The nitrate is heated

• The nitrate of metal X on heating will decompose to form nitrite and O₂
• 2XNO₃ → 2XNO₂ + O₂

iii. The oxide is heated

• The metal X lies between potassium and sodium hence, would be very reactive. Also, its oxide would be highly stable.

iv. The hydroxide is heated

• Metal X is a very reactive metal so the carbonates of metal are very stable and require a high temperature to decompose into their respective metal oxides and a metal hydroxide.