Question

Which of the following solid will have the highest value of Kp when heated in closed vessel?

• A. $L{i}_{2}C{O}_3\left(s\right)$
• B. $BeC{O}_3\left(s\right)$
• C. $N{a}_{2}C{O}_3\left(s\right)$
• D. $BaC{O}_3\left(s\right)$

Answer 1

Answer: (B)

$BeC{O}_3\left(s\right)$

Among the given metal carbonates, beryllium carbonate $BeC{O}_3$
has highest value of Kp when heated in closed vessel as it has least thermal stability. $B{e}^{2+}$ ion and the oxide ion have nearly same ionic radii. This results in tight packing. Due to this, the formation of $BeO$ and the decomposition of $BeC{O}_3$ is easy and requires less energy.