Ionic mobility of which of the following alkali metal ions is lowest when aqueous solution of their salts are put under an electric field?
- K+
- Rb+
- Li+
- Na+
Answer
(3) Li+
Solution
As per NCERT, the hydration enthalpies of alkali metal ions decrease with increase in ionic size: Li+ > Na+ > K+ > Rb+ > Cs+
Li+ is the smallest ion, it has the maximum degree of hydration
Size of hydrated ion: Li+(aq) > Na+(aq) > K+(aq) > Rb+(aq)
A larger hydrated ion moves more slowly in an electric field.
Ionic mobility: Li+ < Na+ < K+ < Rb+; Li+ has the lowest mobility.
Answer: (3)