Question

The incorrect statement among the following is:

• A. Beryllium oxide is amphoteric in nature
• B. Solubility of sulphates of second group elements decreases down the group
• C. The reducing power of hydrides of alkali metals decreases down the group
• D. Beryllium has a diagonal relationship with aluminium

Answer 1

Answer: (C)

The reducing power of hydrides of alkali metals decreases down the group

Down the group, the size of the cation increases and thus, the lattice energy decreases accordingly. As the size of the cation increases, the hydride ion will be released readily and hence the reducing power also increases down the group.