Solubility of the alkaline earth metal sulphates in water decreases in the sequence
- Sr > Ca > Mg > Ba
- Ba > Mg > Sr > Ca
- Mg > Ca > Sr > Ba
- Ca > Sr > Ba > Mg
Answer
(3) Mg > Ca > Sr > Ba
Solution
As per NCERT, the sulphates of alkaline earth metals are white solids; their solubility in water decreases down the group from Ca to Ba, while BeSO4 and MgSO4 are readily soluble.
∵ Lattice enthalpy remains almost constant (large SO42- ion), but hydration enthalpy decreases as the size of the cation increases down the group.
⇒ Solubility: MgSO4 > CaSO4 > SrSO4 > BaSO4
∴ The order is Mg > Ca > Sr > Ba.
Answer: (3)