Answer:
(a) \[N{{a}_{2}}C{{O}_{3}}\]is
a salt of a strong base, sodium
hydroxide and a weak
acid, carbonic acid, therefore it undergoes hydrolysis, i.e.,
\[N{{a}_{2}}C{{O}_{3}}+2{{H}_{2}}O\rightleftharpoons
\underset{Strong}{\mathop{2NaOH}}\,+\underset{Weak}{\mathop{{{H}_{2}}C{{O}_{3}}}}\,\]
\[O{{H}^{-}}\]ion
concentration increases. Hence the solution is alkaline.
(b) The
discharge potentials of alkali metals are much higher than hydrogen. Therefore,
when aqueous solution of alkali halide is electrolysed, hydrogen instead of
alkali metal is discharged at cathode.
Hence, to prepare an
alkali metal, electrolysis of its fused chloride is carried out.
(c) Sodium is relatively more abundant and cheaper than
potassium. It shows all the properties of potassium. It is comparatively less
reactive and its reaction can be better controlled.
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