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Grade 12th passInorganic Chemistry

Ionic mobility of which of the following alkali metal ions is lowest when aqueous solution of their salts are put under an electric field?
Options:
  1. Li
  2. Na
  3. K
  4. Rb
  5. Among which one is correct option.

Profile image of MAyank
9 Years agoGrade 12th pass
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1 Answer

Profile image of Pankaj Bajaj
9 Years ago
The alkali metal ions are highly hydrated. The smaller the size of the ion, the greater is the degree of hydration. The Ionic radius of Li+ is lowest among Li+, Na+, K+ , Rb+ . Thus, The positive charge density around  Li  ion is quite high due to its very small size. It can attract several layers of aqueous molecules and gets highly hydrated. Thus, Li+ aq  ion is bigger in size compared with other alkali metal ions which are less hydrated. As a result, it moves through the aqueous solution less rapidly compared with ions of other alkali metals under the influence of electric current.