Question

Given the statement is “$L{i_2}C{O_3}$ and $N{a_2}C{O_3}$ are thermally stable.” Answer whether the above statement is true or false. If true enter 1, else enter 0.

Answer 1

Hint:The carbonates, lithium carbonate and sodium carbonate belongs to group 2 alkali metal element which on thermal decomposition gives metal oxide and carbon dioxide gas. The thermal stability of the alkali metal increases on moving down the group.

Complete step by step answer:
The group 2 elements are beryllium, magnesium, calcium, strontium and barium. All the carbonates present in this group undergo thermal decomposition to form metal oxide and carbon dioxide gas.
The thermal stability of group 2 element increases as we move down in the group. All the alkali carbonates are stable to heat except lithium carbonate $L{i_2}C{O_3}$, because lithium carbonate is a covalent compound. On moving down in the group of alkali metal, the electropositive character of the metal increases which increases the thermal stability of the metal carbonate.
Lithium carbonate is not stable to heat as it is covalent in nature. Lithium ions are very small in size and carbonate ions are very large in size. Therefore, the small size lithium ion polarizes large size carbonate ions which forms more stable lithium oxide. Hence, lithium carbonate requires very low temperature for decomposition reaction and sodium carbonate requires very high temperature for decomposition reaction.
Therefore, the above statement $L{i_2}C{O_3}$ and $N{a_2}C{O_3}$ are thermally stable is false.

Note:
All the carbonates of group 2 elements are white solid and the metal oxide which are formed are also white solid. Thermal decomposition is a reaction where the single element split in the presence of heat into two or more products.