Multiple choice

Which of the following decomposes on heating?

  1. Na2CO3

  2. Li2CO3

  3. CaO

  4. K2CO3
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

Li2CO3 decomposes on heating because Li+ is very small and polarizes the large CO3^2- ion, weakening the C-O bonds and causing decomposition into Li2O and CO2. Na2CO3 and K2CO3 are stable to heat due to larger cations with lower polarizing power, while CaO is already an oxide and cannot decompose further.

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