Question

Which of the following is true regarding oxides and hydroxides of alkali metals?

• A. As the size of metal ion increases, the stability of peroxide or superoxide decreases.
• B. As the size of metal ion increases, the stability of peroxide or superoxide increases.
• C. As the size of metal ion increases, the stability of peroxide or superoxide remains the same.
• D. None of the above

Answer 1

The correct option is B As the size of metal ion increases, the stability of peroxide or superoxide increases.

As the size of alkali metal ion increases, the stability of peroxide or superoxide increases. This is due to the stabilization of large anions by larger cations through lattice energy effects.