Exams › JEE Advanced › Chemistry
When heated, magnesium nitrate and barium nitrate break down as follows: 2M(NO3)2 → heat → 2MO + 4NO2(g) + O2(g) (where M = Mg or Ba). Which statement is accurate regarding their decomposition behavior?
- Magnesium nitrate breaks down more easily.
- Barium nitrate breaks down more easily.
- Both decompose at identical rates.
- None of these statements are accurate.
Correct answer: Magnesium nitrate breaks down more easily.
Solution
Down group 2 the nitrates become more thermally stable because the larger, less polarising cation distorts the nitrate ion less. Mg(2+) is small and highly polarising, so magnesium nitrate decomposes more readily than barium nitrate; the correct option is index 0, not the stored index 1.
Related JEE Advanced Chemistry questions
- When carbonates from the s-block break down, a gas is released that is denser than air and extinguishes a burning splint. Identify the gas.
- What is the classification of Be2C and Al4C3 based on their chemical composition?
- Consider the following reactions of Group IA (alkali) metals with liquid ammonia: M + (x+y) NH3 -> [M(NH3)ₓ]+ + [e(NH3)_y]- [M(NH3)ₓ]+ + e-(in NH3) -> M-NH2(aq) + (1/2) H2(g) Which of the following statements about these solutions is INCORRECT?
- How many of the following elements give a characteristic flame test color: Li, Na, K, Be, Mg, Ca, Ba, Cs?
- Arrange the following carbonates in the correct increasing order of their thermal stability: BeCO3, MgCO3, CaCO3, K2CO3.
- Which metal chloride, when introduced directly into a flame, produces an apple-green coloured flame?
⚔️ Practice JEE Advanced Chemistry free + battle 1v1 →