Alkali Metals Reactions and Applications

These flashcards cover key reactions and applications of alkali metals, focusing on their chemical behaviors, products formed, and practical uses.

What do alkali metals form when they react with hydrogen?

Ionic compounds known as hydrides.

What is the oxidation state of alkali metals in hydrides?

+1.

What electron role does hydrogen play in the formation of hydrides?

Hydrogen accepts an electron and becomes a hydride ion with an oxidation state of -1.

What is formed during the electrolysis of metal hydrides?

Hydrogen gas evolves at the anode and metal is formed at the cathode.

What compounds do hydrides form when they react with water?

Metal hydroxides and hydrogen gas.

What is a similarity between salts and metal hydrides?

Both can conduct electricity in molten form.

What type of compounds do alkali metals form when they react with halogens?

Very stable ionic compounds called alkali halides.

What is the result of the reaction between sodium and hydrogen?

2Na(s) + H₂(g) → 2NaH(s) at 350-400°C.

What is produced when potassium reacts with chlorine?

2K(s) + Cl₂(g) → 2KCl(s).

What kind of compounds do alkali metals form when they react with sulfur?

Metal sulfides.

Which alkali metal can react with atmospheric nitrogen?

Lithium.

What forms when lithium nitride reacts with water?

Ammonia gas and lithium hydroxide.

What product forms from the reaction of alkali metals with water?

Metal hydroxides and hydrogen gas with significant energy release.

What happens when sodium reacts with water?

It produces sodium hydroxide and hydrogen gas, accompanied by an exothermic reaction.

Why can't sodium fires be extinguished with water?

Because sodium reacts vigorously with water, producing more hydrogen gas which can ignite.

What do alkali metals do in dilute acids?

They replace hydrogen in a reaction, which is more vigorous than with water.

How do alkali metal oxygenated salts behave under heat?

They are thermally stable except for lithium carbonate, which decomposes at high temperatures.

What is the role of potassium superoxide in closed breathing apparatus?

It reacts with CO2, releasing oxygen and purifying the air.

What is a major use for produced lithium?

In lithium-ion batteries for smartphones, laptops, and electric cars.

How is sodium used in lighting?

In sodium vapor lamps, which produce yellow light with good fog penetration.

Where does the extraction of alkali metals primarily occur?

From their ores as ionic compounds, using electrolysis.

What is an example of how sodium is extracted from sodium chloride?

Through the Downs process, involving the electrolysis of molten sodium chloride.

What is sodium hydroxide commonly known as?

Caustic soda.

What happens when sodium carbonate reacts with acids?

It produces sodium salts and water, releasing carbon dioxide gas.

What is the Solvay process used for?

To prepare sodium carbonate from the reaction of ammonia and carbon dioxide.