How would you explain the following obse | Class 11 Chemistry Chapter The s Block Elements, The s Block Elements NCERT Solutions

Previous / historical NCERT chapter

This chapter belongs to a previous NCERT/CBSE curriculum and is not part of the current 2026-27 chapter list. Removed in 2022-23.

Welcome to the NCERT Solutions for Class 11 Chemistry - Chapter The s Block Elements. This page offers a step-by-step solution to the specific question from Exercise 1, Question 29:

How would you explain the following observations?

(i) BeO is almost insoluble but BeSO4 in soluble in water,

(ii) BaO is soluble but BaSO4 is insoluble in water,

(iii) LiI is more soluble than KI in ethanol.

. With detailed answers and explanations for each chapter, students can strengthen their understanding and prepare confidently for exams. Ideal for CBSE and other board students, this resource will simplify your study experience.

Question 29:

How would you explain the following observations?

(i) BeO is almost insoluble but BeSO4 in soluble in water,

(ii) BaO is soluble but BaSO4 is insoluble in water,

(iii) LiI is more soluble than KI in ethanol.

Answer:

(i) BeO is almost insoluble in water and BeSO4 is soluble in water. Be2+ is a small cation with a high polarizing power and O2- is a small anion. The size compatibility of Be2+ and O2- is high. Therefore, the lattice energy released during their formation is also very high. When BeO is dissolved in water, the hydration energy of its ions is not sufficient to overcome the high lattice energy. Therefore, BeO is insoluble in water. On the other hand, SO2-4 ion is a large anion. Hence, Be2+ can easily polarize SO2-4 ions, making BeSO4 unstable. Thus, the lattice energy of BeSO4 is not very high and so it is soluble in water.

 (ii) BaO is soluble in water, but BaSO4 is not. Ba2+ is a large cation and O2- is a small anion. The size compatibility of Ba2+ and O2- is not high. As a result, BaO is unstable. The lattice energy released during its formation is also not very large. It can easily be overcome by the hydration energy of the ions. Therefore, BaO is soluble in water. In BaSO4, Ba2+ and SO2-4 are both large-sized. The lattice energy released is high. Hence, it is not soluble in water.

 (iii) Lil is more soluble than KI in ethanol. As a result of its small size, the lithium ion has a higher polarizing power than the potassium ion. It polarizes the electron cloud of the iodide ion to a much greater extent than the potassium ion. This causes a greater covalent character in LiI than in KI. Hence, LiI is more soluble in ethanol.


Study Tips for Answering NCERT Questions:

NCERT questions are designed to test your understanding of the concepts and theories discussed in the chapter. Here are some tips to help you answer NCERT questions effectively:

  • Read the question carefully and focus on the core concept being asked.
  • Reference examples and data from the chapter when answering questions about The s Block Elements.
  • Review previous year question papers to get an idea of how such questions may be framed in exams.
  • Practice answering questions within the time limit to improve your speed and accuracy.
  • Discuss your answers with your teachers or peers to get feedback and improve your understanding.

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Welcome to the NCERT Solutions for Class 11 Chemistry - Chapter . This page offers a step-by-step solution to the specific question from Excercise 1 , Question 29: How would you explain the following observations? (i) BeO is almost insoluble but BeSO4 in solubl....

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