Which of the following alkali metals when burnt in air forms a mixture of oxide as well as nitride?

No worries! We‘ve got your back. Try BYJU‘S free classes today!

Right on! Give the BNAT exam to get a 100% scholarship for BYJUS courses

No worries! We‘ve got your back. Try BYJU‘S free classes today!

Open in App

Solution

The correct option is C Li
The alkali metals tarnish in dry air due to the formation of their oxides which in turn react with moisture to form hydroxides. They burn vigorously in oxygen forming oxides. Lithium forms monoxide ${L i}_{2} O$ , sodium forms peroxide ${N a}_{2} O_{2}$ , the other metals form superoxides $O^{2 -}$ ions.
$4 L i + O_{2} \to 2 {L i}_{2} O$ (normal oxide)
$2 N a + O_{2} \to 2 {N a}_{2} O_{2}$ (peroxide)
$M + O_{2} \to M O_{2}$ (superoxide)
where M is $M = K, R b, C s$
In all these oxides the oxidation state of the alkali metal is +1. Lithium shows exceptional behaviour in reacting directly with nitrogen of air to form the nitride, ${L i}_{3} N$ .

Suggest Corrections

Similar questions

X

X

X

Which one of the alkali metals, forms normal oxide $M_{2} O$ on heating in excess of air?

Join BYJU'S Learning Program