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Group 1 (alkali metals) – lithium, sodium and potassium

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Question 11

Lithium is an element in Group 1 of the Periodic Table.

Lithium is stored in paraffin oil to prevent it from reacting with oxygen and moisture in the air.

a.

When a piece of lithium is removed from the oil, dried, and cut, the freshly exposed surface:

  • A changes from shiny to dull
  • B turns instantly green
  • C melts into a liquid ball
  • D does not change
[1]
b.

When lithium is added to cold water in a beaker, hydrogen gas is formed. (i) State the chemical test for hydrogen gas, including the result. (ii) A few drops of phenolphthalein indicator are added to the beaker after the reaction. Explain why the indicator turns pink.

[4]
c.

The table below shows some information about lithium oxide and lithium carbonate.

Name of compoundFormula of compoundFormula of cation in compoundFormula of anion in compound
lithium oxide(i)Li+\text{Li}^+Li+O2−\text{O}^{2-}O2−
lithium carbonateLi2CO3\text{Li}_2\text{CO}_3Li2​CO3​Li+\text{Li}^+Li+(ii)

Identify the missing chemical formulae for (i) and (ii).

[2]
d.

Sodium is another element in Group 1 of the Periodic Table. (i) Identify the two correct statements from the list below comparing the reaction of sodium with cold water to the reaction of lithium with cold water:

  1. The reaction with sodium is more vigorous.
  2. The reaction with sodium produces a different gas.
  3. The reaction with sodium produces an acidic solution.
  4. The reaction with sodium produces a different compound.
  5. The reaction of lithium is more exothermic than that of sodium.

(ii) Write a balanced chemical equation for the reaction of sodium with water.

[4]

Group 1 (alkali metals) – lithium, sodium and potassium Questions

  1. IGCSE
  2. /Chemistry
  3. /Group 1 (alkali metals) – lithium, sodium and potassium