Which of the following trioxonitrate(V) salts would decompose on heating to form a metal?

Zoe_ViVi

1 year ago

The correct answer is B. AgNO₃ (Silver nitrate)
Silver nitrate decomposes upon heating to form silver metal:

2AgNO₃ → 2Ag + 2NO₂ + O₂

This is a characteristic property of silver nitrate, which is often used in laboratory experiments to demonstrate the decomposition of nitrates.

The other options do not decompose to form the metal:
- A. Cu(NO₃)₂ (Copper(II) nitrate) decomposes to form copper(II) oxide.
- C. Pb(NO₃)₂ (Lead(II) nitrate) decomposes to form lead(II) oxide.
- D. KNO₃ (Potassium nitrate) decomposes to form potassium nitrite and oxygen.
Thanks.

Sadiq2421

2 years ago

Among the options provided, the trioxonitrate(V) salt that would decompose on heating to form a metal is potassium nitrate, KNO3 (option D).

When heated, potassium nitrate decomposes to form potassium nitrite and oxygen gas, leaving behind metallic potassium:

2KNO3 (s) → 2KNO2 (s) + O2 (g)

So, the correct answer is:

D. KNO3