What happens when the nitrates of potassium, calcium, zinc and copper are separately heated?
All the nitrate will decompose to their respective metals
The nitrates of calcium and potassium will decomposes to their nitrites
Only copper nitrate decomposes to the metal
Only the nitrates of zinc and copper will decompose to their oxides
The nitrates of calcium, zinc and copper decompose to their oxides
Explanation
Video Explanation
No video available
Post your Contribution
Discussions (8)
When the nitrates of potassium, calcium, zinc, and copper are separately heated, the following reactions occur:
1. **Potassium nitrate (KNO3)**: When heated, it decomposes to produce potassium nitrite and oxygen². No metal is formed in this reaction.
2. **Calcium nitrate (Ca(NO3)2)**: When heated, it decomposes to produce calcium oxide, nitrogen dioxide, and oxygen². No metal or nitrite is formed in this reaction.
3. **Zinc nitrate (Zn(NO3)2)**: When heated, it decomposes to produce zinc oxide, nitrogen dioxide, and oxygen. No metal is formed in this reaction.
4. **Copper nitrate (Cu(NO3)2)**: When heated, it decomposes to produce copper oxide, nitrogen dioxide, and oxygen. No metal is formed in this reaction.
Therefore, the correct answer is **E. The nitrates of calcium, zinc, and copper decompose to their oxides**¹. The nitrates of these metals do not decompose to their respective metals (Option A), nor do they decompose to their nitrites (Option B). Copper nitrate does not decompose to the metal (Option C), and not only the nitrates of zinc and copper decompose to their oxides (Option D). So, options A, B, C, and D are incorrect in this context..
Let's break down what happens when we heat those nitrates:
* Potassium Nitrate (KNO₃):
* Potassium is a very reactive metal. Its nitrate, when heated, decomposes into potassium nitrite (KNO₂) and oxygen gas (O₂). So, it goes to a nitrite, not the metal itself.
* Calcium Nitrate (Ca(NO₃)₂):
* Calcium nitrate, when heated, decomposes into calcium oxide (CaO), nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), and oxygen gas (O₂).
* Zinc Nitrate (Zn(NO₃)₂):
* Like calcium nitrate, zinc nitrate decomposes into zinc oxide (ZnO), nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), and oxygen gas (O₂).
* Copper Nitrate (Cu(NO₃)₂):
* Copper nitrate also decomposes into copper oxide (CuO), nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), and oxygen gas (O₂).
So, looking at your options:
* Option A is incorrect because not all nitrates decompose into their metals.
* Option B is partially correct. Potassium nitrate does decompose to its nitrite, but Calcium nitrate decomposes to its oxide.
* Option C is also incorrect, because copper nitrate decomposes to its oxide.
* Option D is partially correct, copper nitrate decomposes to its oxide, but zinc nitrate also decomposes to its oxide.
* Option E is the best answer. The nitrates of calcium, zinc, and copper all decompose into their oxides.
Therefore, the correct answer is E. The nitrates of calcium, zinc, and copper decompose to their oxides.
