Chemistry

Question 1:

The correct sequence of hydration enthalpies of alkali metal are:

+ + + + +
a. Li > Na > K > Rb > Cs

b. Na +
> Li
+
> K
+
> Rb
+
> Cs
+

c. Li +
> K
+
> Li
+
> Rb
+
> Cs
+

d. Li +
> Na
+
> Rb
+
> K
+
> Cs
+

Question 2:

which metals do not give colour to flame whereas other alkaline earth metals do so?

a. Beryllium and magnesium

b. Beryllium and Cesium

c. Rubidium and magnesium

d. Plutonium and sodium

Question 3:

The bleaching action of bleaching powder is due to the formation of:

a. CaCl2

b. CaSO4

c. HClO

d. Ca(ClO3 )2

Question 4:

A compound ' X ' on heating gives a colourless gas. The residue is dissolved in
water to produce ' Y '. To the aqueous solution of ' Y ' when CO2 is passed it
produces ' Z ' which on gentle heating gives back ' X '. Compound ' X ' is:

a. Na2 CO3

b. CaCO3
 c. Ca(HCO3 )2

d. NaHCO3

Question 5:

A metal M readily forms it sulphates MSO4 which is watersoluble. It forms its

oxides MO which becomes inert on heating. It forms an insoluble hydroxide
M(OH)2 which is soluble in NaOH solution. Then M is:

a. Mg

b. Ba

c. Ca

d. Be

Question 6:

KO2 (potassium super oxide) is used in oxygen cylinders in space and submarines
because it:

a. Absorbs CO2 and increase O2 content

b. Eliminates moisture

c. Absorbs CO2

d. Produces ozone

Question 7:

Property of all the alkaline earth metals that increases with their atomic number is:

a. Ionization energy

b. Solubility of their hydroxide

c. Solubility of their sulphate

d. Electro negativity

Question 8:

Which of the following compound is used in gun powder?

a. LiNO3
 b. NaNO3

c. Pb(NO3 )2

d. KNO3

Question 9:

A metal X on heating in nitrogen gives Y. Y on treatment with H2 O gives a

colourless gas which when passed through sodium hypochlorite liberate N2 gas.
The compound Y is

a. Mg(NO3 )2

b. Mg 3
N2

c. NH 3

d. MgO

Question 10:

In the synthesis of sodium carbonate, the recovery of ammonia is done by treating

NH4 Cl with Ca(OH)2 . The byproduct obtained in this process is

a. CaCl2

b. NaCl

c. NaOH

d. NaHCO3

Question 11:

White sodium salt dissolves readily in water to give a solution which is neutral to
litmus test. When AgNO3 solution is added to this solution a white precipitate is
obtained which does not dissolve in dilute HNO3 . The anion can be:

2−
a. CO3

2−
b. SO4

−
c. Cl

2−
d. S
Question 12:

A metal M readily forms water soluble sulphate and water insoluble hydroxide,
M (OH)2 . Its oxide M O is amphoteric, hard and having high melting point. The

alkaline earth metal is :

a. Mg

b. Ca

c. Be

d. Ba

Question 13:

The ion having maximum value of hydration energy is:

+
a. Li

+
b. Na

c. K +

+
d. Cs

Question 14:

Sodium metal cannot be stored under

a. Benzene

b. Kerosene

c. Alcohol

d. Toluene

Question 15:

Point out of the incorrect statements regarding Be (Group II A).

a. It forms an ionic carbide.

b. Its carbonates decomposes on heating

c. Its halides are covalent

d. It is easily attacked by water

Question 16:

Paramagnetism is common in:

a. s-block elements

b. p-block elements

c. f-block elements

d. None of these

Question 17:

Alkali metals give a _________________when dissolved in liquid ammonia.

a. deep blue solution

b. colourless

c. red colour

d. None of the Above

Question 18:

What are Oxo-Acids?

a. Acid containing Oxygen

b. Acid containing Sulphur

c. Acid containing Carbon

d. None of the Above

Question 19:

Which of the following is the formula of Sorel's cement?

a. KCl⋅MgCl2⋅6H2O

b. MgCl2⋅5MgO⋅(xH2O)

c. MgCO3⋅CaCO3

d. CaSO4⋅2H2O
Question 20:

What is the oxidation state of K in KO2?

a. -1
b. -2
c. +1
d. 0

Question 21:

The substance not likely to contain CaCO3 is:

a. Calcined gypsum

b. Sea shells

c. Dolomite

d. A marble statue

Question 22:

Which of the carbonates given below is unstable in air and is kept in the
CO2 atmosphere to avoid decomposition?

a. BeCO3

b. M gCO3

c. CaCO3

d. BaCO3

Question 23:

Metals form basic hydroxides. Which of the following metal hydroxide is the least
basic?

a. M g(OH )2

b. Ca(OH )2

c. Sr(OH )2

d. Ba(OH )2
Question 24:

A substance which gives brick red flame and breaks down on heating to give oxygen
and a brown gas is:

a. Magnesium nitrate

b. Calcium nitrate

c. Barium nitrate

d. Strontium nitrate

Question 25:

Which of the following compound is the final product of the Solvay process?

a. Ammonium carbonate

b. Ammonium bicarbonate

c. Sodium carbonate

d. Sodium bicarbonate

Question 26:

Which of the following elements does not form hydride by direct heating with
dihydrogen?

a. Be
b. Mg
c. Sr
d. Ba

Question 27:

Suspension of slaked lime in water is known as:

a. Lime water

b. Quick lime

c. Milk of lime

d. An aqueous solution of slaked lime

Question 28:
The dead burnt plaster is:

a. CaSO4 ⋅ 2H2 O

1
b. CaSO4 ⋅
2
H2 O

c. CaSO4

d. 2CaSO4 ⋅ H2 O

Question 29:

When sodium is dissolved in liquid ammonia, a solution of deep blue colour is

obtained. The colour of the solution is due to:

a. Ammoniated electron

b. Sodium-ion

c. Sodium amide

d. Ammoniated sodium ion

Question 30:

Unreacted sodium metal can be removed from liquid ammonia safely by:

a. Distilling the mixture

b. Adding oil and then heating to convert ammonia to gas

c. Adding ammonium chloride

d. None of the above

Question 31:

Beryllium differs in properties from other elements of its own group but shows
resemblance with aluminium because of:

a. Relatively bigger ionic radius and high polarising power of Be

b. Relatively smaller ionic radius and high polarising power of Be

c. A relatively bigger ionic radius is the only reason behind this

d. None of the above

Question 32:
When an excess carbon dioxide is passed through lime water, the milkiness first
formed disappears due to:

a. The reversible reaction taking place

b. Formation of water-soluble calcium bicarbonate

c. A huge amount of heat evolved during the reaction

d. Formation of the water-soluble complex of calcium.

Question 33:

Calcium carbonate can crystallize as calcite or as aragonite, having different crystal

systems. These are called:

a. Polymorphs

b. Polymers

c. Isomers

d. Mirror images

Question 34:

Be exhibits the diagonal relationship with:

a. Mg
b. Li
c. Si
d. Al

Question 35:

Which of the following is known as fusion mixture?

a. Mixture of N a2 CO3 + N aH CO3

b. N a2 CO3 + 10H2 O

c. Mixture of K2 CO3 + N a2 CO3

d. N aH CO3

Question 36:

Baking powder contains Sodium Hydrogen Carbonate, and:

 a. Tartaric acid

b. Sodium carbonate

c. Calcium chloride

d. Acetic acid

Question 37:

As the alkaline earth metals (except Be) tend to lose their valence electrons readily.
They act as:

a. Weak oxidizing agents

b. Weak reducing agents

c. Strong oxidizing agents

d. Strong reducing agents

Question 38:

The compounds of alkaline earth metals have which one the following magnetic
nature?

a. Diamagnetic

b. Paramagnetic

c. Ferromagnetic

d. Antiferromagnetic

Question 39:

Which of the following is/ are correct statement(s)?

a. Portland cement is the most commonly used cement for construction work.

b. Portland cement is made from raw material which consist of 60% lime
(calcium oxide), 25% silica (silicon dioxide), 5% alumina. The rest is iron
oxide and gypsum (calcium sulphate).

c. Portland cement gets its name from the stone quarried from the Isle of
Portland in England which has a similar texture.

d. All of the above

Question 40:

Ca(H2 P O4 )
2
in baking powder:

a. Behaves as an acid in moist conditions and decomposes N aH CO3 to give

CO2

b. Behave as a base in moist condition and gives H3 P O4

c. Behaves as binder

d. Behaves as a filler

Question 41:

Direction: The following questions consist of two statements, one labelled as

Assertion and the other Reason. Examine both the statements carefully and mark
the correct choice according to the instructions given below.

Assertion: Magnesium does not impart characteristic colour to the Bunsen burner
flame.

Reason: The ionisation energy of Mg is very high.

a. Both Assertion and Reason are correct and Reason is the correct
explanation for Assertion.

b. Both Assertion and Reason are correct but Reason is not the correct
explanation for Assertion.

c. Assertion is correct but Reason is incorrect.

d. Both Assertion and Reason are incorrect.

Question 42:

Which is insoluble in water?

a. H2S

b. HgCl2

c. Ca(NO3)2

d. CaF2

Question 43:

What is the chemical formula of Epsom Salt?

 a. M gSO4 ⋅ 2H2 O

b. M gSO4 .5H2 O

c. M gSO4 ⋅ 7H2 O

d. M gSO4 ⋅ 9H2 O

Question 44:

Direction: The following questions consist of two statements, one labelled as

Assertion and the other Reason. Examine both the statements carefully and mark
the correct choice according to the instructions given below.

Assertion: Lithium halides are covalent in nature.

Reason: Li+ ion due to its smaller size than other alkali metal cations exerts stronger
polarizing power towards an ion and therefore develops covalent character in the
molecule (Fajan's rule).

a. Both Assertion and Reason are correct and Reason is the correct
explanation for Assertion

b. Both Assertion and Reason are correct but Reason is not the correct
explanation for Assertion

c. Assertion is correct but Reason is incorrect

d. Both Assertion and Reason are incorrect

Question 45:

Which one of the following alkali metals gives hydrated salts?

a. Li
b. Na
c. K
d. Cs
 Answers

1 : (a) 2 : (a) 3 : (c) 4 : (b) 5 : (d) 6 : (b)

7 : (b) 8 : (d) 9 : (b) 10 : (a) 11 : (c) 12 : (c)
13 : (a) 14 : (c) 15 : (d) 16 : (a) 17 : (a) 18 : (a)
19 : (b) 20 : (c) 21 : (a) 22 : (a) 23 : (a) 24 : (b)
25 : (c) 26 : (a) 27 : (c) 28 : (c) 29 : (a) 30 : (c)
31 : (b) 32 : (b) 33 : (a) 34 : (d) 35 : (c) 36 : (a)
37 : (d) 38 : (a) 39 : (d) 40 : (a) 41 : (a) 42 : (d)
43 : (c) 44 : (a) 45 : (a)

Explanations

Question 1 :

The hydration enthalpies of alkali metal ions decrease with increase in ionic sizes.

+ + + + +
Li > Na > K > Rb > Cs

+
Li has maximum degree of hydration and for this reason lithium salts are mostly hydrated.

Hence, the correct option is (A).

Question 2 :

When an alkaline earth metal is heated, the valence electrons get excited to a higher energy
level. When this excited electron comes back to its lower energy level, it radiates energy, which
belongs to the visible region. Hence, colour is observed. In Be &Mg, the electrons are strongly
bound. The energy required to excite these electrons is very high. Therefore, when the electron
reverts back to its original position, the energy released does not fall in the visible region.
Hence, no colour in the flame is seen.
Hence, the correct option is (A).

Question 3 :

In presence of dil. Acids, bleaching powder loses oxygen.

2CaOCl2 + H2 SO4 ⟶ CaCl2 + CaSO4 + 2HClO

HClO ⟶ HCl + [O]

This oxygen is used for oxidation - bleaching.

Hence, the correct option is (C).

Question 4 :
Hence, the correct option is (B).

Question 5 :

Sulphate of alkaline earth metal are sparingly soluble or almost not soluble in water whereas
BeSO4 is soluble in water due to high degree of salvation. Be(OH)2 is insoluble in water but

soluble in NaOH.

BeO + 2NaOH ⟶ Na2 BeO2 + H2 O

Hence, the correct option is (D).

Question 6 :

2KO2 + 2H2 O ⟶ 2KOH + H2 O2 + O2

KO2 is used as an oxidizing agent. It is used as air purifier in space capsules, Submarines and
breathing masks as it produces oxygen and remove carbon dioxide.
Hence, the correct option is (B).

Question 7 :

The thermal stability of group 2 sulfates increases with their atomic number. This is due to the
fact that the higher the atomic number, the larger the ionic radius, the lower the charge density.
So it causes less distortion in the surrounding negative charger, so the bond between the cation
and the ions will be stronger and stable.

Hence, the correct option is (B).

Question 8 :

Gun powder was made by elemental sulfur, charcoal and potassium nitrate (KNO3 ) It is also
known as retronym black powder. KNO3 used here also known as saltpeter.

Hence, the correct option is (D).

Question 9 :
Hence, the correct option is (B).

Question 10 :

In recovery of NH3

NH4 Cl + Ca(OH)2 ⟶ NH3 + CaCl2 + H2 O

Therefore, CaCl2 is the by-product.

Hence, the correct option is (A).

Question 11 :

NaCl(aq) + AgNO (aq) ⟶ AgCl(s) ↓ + NaNO3 (aq)

3

White ppt.

NaCl is neutral to litmus test and give a white precipitate on reaction with AgNO3 . The white
precipitate is AgCl and it is insoluble in dil. HNO3 .

Hence, the correct option is (C).

Question 12 :

Beryllium forms Beryllium sulfate (BeSO4 ) which is water-soluble.

Beryllium forms Beryllium hydroxide (Be(OH)2 ) which is water-insoluble.
Beryllium forms Beryllium oxide (BeO) which is amphoteric, hard, and having high melting
point.
M-Metal.
M (SO4 ) - water soluble
M(OH)2 - insoluble in water
MO - amphoteric
Down the group solubility of sulphate decseases so the metal may lie in the top of group. Down
the group solubility of hydroxides increases so the metal may lie in the top of group
Mo is amphotesic, BeO is amphoterie.
So Be is the metal M and it lies on the top of group.
Hence, the correct option is (C).

Question 13 :

+
The ion which shows the maximum value of Hydration energy is Li .
The size of the Alkali metal cation defermines the degree of hydration. Small sized cations have
⊖
greater charge density and greater tendancy to draw e from molecules which are thus
+
polarised. Among alkali metals, Li ion is the most extensively hydrated. cs+ ion is the largest
Alkali metal ion and is teast hydrated. The decreasing order of the relative degree of
Hydrationenergy is

+ + + + +
Li > Na > K > Rb > Cs

Hence, the correct option is (A).

Question 14 :

Sodium metal cannot be stored under alcohol because it reacts with alcohol to form sodium
alkoxide and hydrogen gas.

2C2 H5 OH + 2Na → 2C2 H5 ONa + H2

Hence, the correct option is (C).

Question 15 :

Be does not react easily with normal water. Beryllium reacts with water to produce oxide
beryllium, beryllium hydroxide and hydrogen. The reaction takes place in a boiling solution.

2Be + 3H2 O → BeO + Be(OH)2 + 2H2

Hence, the correct option is (D).

Question 16 :

Paramagnetism is common in s-block elements.

s-block element has a single electron in its valence shell. The single unpaired electron is
responsible for the paramagnetism property. Paramagnetism is a form of magnetism where
some materials are weekly attracted by an externally applied magnetic field.

Hence, the correct option is (A).

Question 17 :

Alkali metals give a deep blue solution when dissolved in liquid ammonia.

When an alkali metal is dissolved in liquid ammonia, it results in the formation of a deep blue
coloured solution. The ammoniated electrons absorb energy corresponding to a red region of
visible light. Therefore, the transmitted light is blue in colour.

Hence, the correct option is (A).

Question 18 :

Acid containing Oxygen is Oxo-Acids.

An oxyacid, oxoacid, or ternary acid is an acid that contains oxygen. Specifically, it is a

compound that contains hydrogen, oxygen, and at least one other element, with at least one
hydrogen atom bond to oxygen that can dissociate to produce the H+ cation and the anion of
the acid. e.g., carbonic acid (H2CO3), sulphuric acid (H2SO4).

Hence, the correct option is (A).

Question 19 :

A mixture of MgCl2 and MgO is called Sorels cement. The formula of Sorel's cement is MgCl2⋅
5MgO⋅(xH2O).

Sorel cement (also known as magnesia cement or magnesium oxychloride) is a non-hydraulic

cement first produced by the French chemist Stanislas Sorel in 1867. Sorel cement is a mixture
of magnesium oxide (burnt magnesia) with magnesium chloride with the approximate chemical
formula Mg4Cl2(OH)6(H2O)8, or MgCl2·3Mg(OH)2·8H2O, corresponding to a weight ratio of 2.5–
3.5 parts MgO to one part MgCl2.

Hence, the correct option is (B).

Question 20 :

KO2 has only one electron in its valence shell and can only take the +1 oxidation state.

Now, in KO2,

Let oxidation number of oxygen be x.

Therefore, 1 + 2x = 0 as K = +1 and KO2 is neutral molecule.

K shows an oxidation state of K+ whereas the other half forms O2-. It is paramagnetic in nature.

Hence, the correct option is (C).

Question 21 :

The substance not likely to contain CaCO3 is Calcined gypsum.

1
On heating, gypsum loses water and gives the hemihydrate (CaSO4⋅ H2O) or the
2

anhydrite. The hemihydrate known as Calcined gypsum / Plaster of Paris / stucco is an

important building material. So, Calcined gypsum is not having calcium carbonate.
Seashells are the exoskeletons of mollusks such as snails, clams, oysters and many
others. Such shells have three distinct layers and are composed mostly of calcium
carbonate (CaCO3).
 Dolomite is an anhydrous carbonate mineral composed of calcium magnesium carbonate,
ideally CaMg(CO3)2.
A marble statue typically consists of calcium carbonate.

Hence, the correct option is (A).

Question 22 :

Beryllium carbonate (BeCO3 ) is unstable due to the smaller size of cation and larger size of
the anion (as smaller cation stabilizes smaller anion through crystal lattice energy) and can be
kept only in the atmosphere of CO2 . The thermal stability increases with increasing cationic
size. So, BeCO3 is unstable in the air.

Hence, the correct option is (A).

Question 23 :

Metals form basic hydroxides. From the given metal hydroxides, Mg(OH)2 is the least basic.

As the ionization enthalpy increases from Mg to Ba, the M–O bond becomes weaker and
weaker down the group and therefore basicity increases down the group. Thus, Mg(OH)2 is the
least basic.

Hence, the correct option is (A).

Question 24 :

A substance that gives brick red flame and breaks down on heating to give oxygen and a brown
gas is calcium nitrate.

Calcium imparts brick red colour to the flame and calcium nitrate evolves O2 and a brown gas,
N O2 upon heating.

Δ
2Ca(N O3 )
2
⟶ 2CaO + O2 + 4N O2 ↑ (Brown gas)

Hence, the correct option is (B).

Question 25 :

The final product of the Solvay process is sodium carbonate.

The Solvay process or ammonia-soda process is the major industrial process for the production
of sodium carbonate (soda ash) from brine (as a source of N aCl ) and from limestone (as a
source of CaCO3 ).

2N aCl + CaCO3 → N a2 CO3 + CaCl2

Hence, the correct option is (C).

Question 26 :

All the elements except beryllium (Be) combine with hydrogen upon heating to form their
hydrides, M H2 .

BeH2 , however, can be prepared by the reaction of BeCl2 with LiAlH4 .

2BeCl2 + LiAlH4 → 2BeH2 + LiCl + AlCl3

Hence, the correct option is (A).

Question 27 :

Suspension of slaked lime in water is known as milk of lime.

Calcium hydroxide is prepared by adding water to quicklime (CaO).

CaO(s) + H2 O(l) → Ca(OH )2 (s)

Quick lime Slaked lime

It is a white amorphous powder. It is sparingly soluble in water. So, it forms a suspension of

slaked lime in water which is called milk of lime and the clear solution obtained after the
suspension settles is known as lime water.

Hence, the correct option is (C).

Question 28 :

When plaster of Paris is heated above 393K its water of crystallization is lost and the leftover
anhydrous calcium sulphate CaSO4 is called the dead burnt plaster.

Hence, the correct option is (C).

Question 29 :

The blue colour of the solution is due to the ammoniated electron which absorbs energy in the
visible region of light and thus imparts a blue colour to the solution.

−
+
M + (x + y)N H3 → [M (N H3 ) ] + [e(N H3 ) ]
x y

Hence, the correct option is (A).

Question 30 :

Unreacted sodium metal can be removed from liquid ammonia safely by adding ammonium
chloride. The reaction is as follows:
2N a + 2N H4 Cl → 2N aCl + 2N H3 + H2

Hence, the correct option is (C).

Question 31 :

Due to a relatively smaller ionic radius and high polarising power, Beryllium (Be) differs in
properties from other elements of its own group. Polarising powers of Be2+ and Al3+ . Ions are
almost the same, thus they show similarities in their properties.

Hence, the correct option is (B).

Question 32 :

When CO2 is passed through lime water, it turns milky due to the formation of calcium
carbonate which is insoluble in water.

Ca(OH )2 + CO2 ⟶ CaCO3 + H2 O

lime water milkiness

However, when an excess of CO2 is passed through this solution, the milkiness disappears.
This is due to the formation of calcium bicarbonate which is colourless and soluble in water.

CaCO3 + H2 O + CO2 ⟶ Ca(H CO3 )

2
excess
milkiness water soluble

Hence, the correct option is (B).

Question 33 :

Calcium carbonate can crystallize as calcite or as aragonite having different crystal systems.
These are called polymorphs. Polymorphism is crystallography in which solids have different
crystal forms.

Hence, the correct option is (A).

Question 34 :

Be exhibits the diagonal relationship with Al.

The elements of the 2nd period, show resemblance in properties with elements of the 3rd
period, placed diagonally. This is called the diagonal relationship. Beryllium (Be) shows a
diagonal relationship with aluminium (Al).

Hence, the correct option is (D).

Question 35 :

Mixture of K2 CO3 + N a2 CO3 known as fusion mixture.

A fusion mixture consists of sodium salt and potassium salt. Generally, a mixture of potassium
carbonate and sodium carbonate is used. It is called a fusion mixture because it is fused with a
sample of the organic compounds to test for various groups.

Hence, the correct option is (C).

Question 36 :

Baking powder contains Sodium Hydrogen Carbonate NaHCO3 and tartaric acid. It is used for
increasing the volume and lightening the texture of baked goods. It releases carbon dioxide gas
into a batter or dough through an acid-base reaction, causes bubbles in the wet mixture which
expands and thereby leavening the mixture.

Hence, the correct option is (A).

Question 37 :

The reducing agent is a substance that tends to bring about reduction by being oxidized and
losing electrons. As the alkaline earth metals (except Be) tend to lose their valence electrons
readily. They act as strong reducing agents.

Hence, the correct option is (D).

Question 38 :

The general electronic configuration of alkaline earth metals is ns2, which shows that these
metals do not have any unpaired electrons. So, these metals show diamagnetic properties.

Hence, the correct option is (A).

Question 39 :

All of the following statements are correct.

Portland cement is the most commonly used cement for construction work.
Portland cement is made from raw material which consists of 60% lime (calcium oxide),
25% silica (silicon dioxide), 5% alumina. The rest is iron oxide and gypsum (calcium
sulphate).
Portland cement gets its name from the stone quarried from the Isle of Portland in
England which has a similar texture.

Hence, the correct option is (D).

Question 40 :

Ca(H2 P O4 )
2
in baking powder behaves as an acid in moist conditions and decomposes
N aH CO3 to give CO2 .

The baking powder consists of sodium bicarbonate and calcium dihydrogen phosphate. In this
process, the H2 P O4 acts as an acid in the baking powder and then reacts with N aH CO3 so
that carbon dioxide that expands in the food items. When sufficient heat is given bond will
break between Ca and H2 P O4 and then reacts with N aH CO34 and the carbon dioxide will
be formed.

Hence, the correct option is (A).

Question 41 :

As Magnesium (Mg) has very high ionisation energy it has one more proton in its nucleus to
hold on to the electrons in the 3s orbital, so it does not impart any characteristic colour to the
Bunsen burner flame.

So, both Assertion and Reason are correct and Reason is the correct explanation for Assertion.

Hence, the correct option is (A).

Question 42 :

CaF2 is insoluble in water because of high lattice energy and low hydration energy.

Hence, the correct option is (D).

Question 43 :

The chemical formula of Epsom Salt is M gSO4 ⋅ 7H2 O or it is also known as Magnesium
Sulphate heptahydrate.

Hence, the correct option is (C).

Question 44 :

Lithium halides are covalent in nature because Li+ ion due to its smaller size than other alkali
metal cations exerts stronger polarizing power towards an ion and therefore develops covalent
character in the molecule (Fajan's rule).

So, both Assertion and Reason are correct and Reason is the correct explanation for Assertion.

Hence, the correct option is (A).

Question 45 :
The smaller the size of an ion, the more highly it is hydrated. Among the given alkali metals, Li is
the smallest in size. Also, it has the highest charge density and highest polarizing power. So, it
attracts water molecules more strongly than the other alkali metals. As a result, it forms
hydrated salts such as LiCl.2H2O. The other alkali metals are larger than Li and have weaker
charge densities. Therefore, they usually do not form hydrated salts.

Hence, the correct option is (A).