Question

. a) Alkali metals are prepared by electrolysis of their fused chlorides
b) Why are lithium salts commonly hydrated and those of other alkali metal ions usually on hydrous.​

Answer 1

Answer:

a)Alkali metals are prepared by electrolysis of fused chlorides because the discharge potential of alkali metals is much higher than that of hydrogen

b)Among alkali metal ions, Li(I) has smallest size due to which it can easily polarize water molecules. Li salts get bonded to water of crystallization. The lithium chloride contains 2 water molecules per mole of LiCl. The other alkali metals being bigger in size cannot easily polarize water molecules. Hence, there salts do not get bonded to water of crystallization.