Group 2: Alkaline earth metals
Read our general notes on Risk Assessment
Which of the nitrates and carbonates of Group I most resemble those of Group II in their reaction to heat?
Igloo writes
Lithium carbonate is decomposed on strong heating to form lithium oxide and carbon dioxide. Lithium nitrate decomposes on heating to give lithium oxide, nitrogen dioxide (nitrogen(IV) oxide) and oxygen. In these respects, lithium carbonate and lithium nitrate behave in a similar fashion to the carbonates and nitrates of Group II.
The other group 1 carbonates do not decompose on heating in a Bunsen flame. The otehr group 1 nitrates decompose to the nitrite and oxygen.
Risk assessment
Before attempting any practical work based on the advice and suggestions on this website, you must do the following. Identify any hazards, assess the risks from these hazards, and then decide appropriate control measures to reduce the risks. You must have these approved by those in authority in your school or college laboratory. Do not rely on what is said on this website.
For further guidance see our tutorial on Risk Assessment.
back to Group 2: Alkaline earth metals
Rate this page or react
Share your views on this page, 5 ratings so far
, rated at 
updated: 11 November 2004
