How many of the following carbonates do NOT decompose on prolonged strong heating (up to ), but rather melt without chemical breakdown? (, , , , , , )

Question

How many of the following carbonates do NOT decompose on prolonged strong heating (up to $1000^\circ	ext{C}$), but rather melt without chemical breakdown? ($Li_2CO_3$, $Na_2CO_3$, $K_2CO_3$, $Rb_2CO_3$, $Cs_2CO_3$, $MgCO_3$, $CaCO_3$)

Prashant Kotian · Accepted Answer

Correct answer: 4. All alkaline earth metal carbonates (like , ) decompose on heating. Lithium carbonate () also decomposes. The carbonates of the heavier alkali metals () possess very high thermal stability due to low polarizing power of their cations, so they melt without decomposing. Total = 4.

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