Question

Read the following and select one the correct answer:

Statement I: Alkali metals dissolve in liquid ammonia to give a blue solution

Statement II: Alkali metals dissolve in liquid ammonia to give solvated species of the type $\left[Na\right(N{H}_3{)}_n{]}^{+}$

• A. Statement I and Statement II are both correct. Statement II correctly explains Statement I
• B. Statement I and Statement II are both correct. Statement II does not explain Statement I
• C. Statement II is correct and Statement I is wrong
• D. Statement I is correct and Statement II is wrong

Answer 1

The correct option is B

Statement I and Statement II are both correct. Statement II does not explain Statement I

Solution:

$Na+(x+y)N{H}_3⟶\left[Na\right(N{H}_3{)}_x{]}^{+}+\left[e\right(N{H}_3{)}_y{]}^{-}$

The emission spectrum of the solvated electrons [e(NH_3)_y]^- is blue!

The blue colour as well as the reducing nature is attributed only to the solvated electrons. The other solvated part $\left[Na\right(N{H}_3{)}_n{]}^{+}$ is not the reason for the blue colour.

Hence,

Statement I and Statement II are both correct. Statement II correctly explains Statement I.