Consider the thermal stability of alkali metal nitrates. If of is heated strongly, it produces of ga — s Block Elements Chemistry Question
Question
Consider the thermal stability of alkali metal nitrates. If $1 \text{ mole}$ of $LiNO_3$ is heated strongly, it produces $x \text{ moles}$ of $NO_2$ gas. If $1 \text{ mole}$ of $KNO_3$ is heated strongly, it produces $y \text{ moles}$ of $NO_2$ gas. What is the value of $x + y$?
Answer: 1
💡 Solution & Explanation
The reaction for Li is: $4LiNO_3 \rightarrow 2Li_2O + 4NO_2 + O_2$. So 1 mole of $LiNO_3$ yields 1 mole of $NO_2$, thus $x = 1$. The reaction for K is: $2KNO_3 \rightarrow 2KNO_2 + O_2$. Potassium nitrate yields no $NO_2$ gas, so $y = 0$. The sum $1 + 0 = 1$.
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