AIIMS 2017 Chemistry Alkali Metals Assertion Reason Question
In the following questions a statement of Assertion (A) followed by a statement of Reason (R) is given. Choose the correct answer out of the following choice.
Assertion (A) Generally alkali and alkaline earth metals form superoxides.
Reason (R) There is a single bond between O and 0 in superoxides.
Both Assertion and Reason are correct and Reason is the correct explanation of Assertion.
Both Assertion and Reason are correct but Reason is not the correct explanation of Assertion.
Assertion is correct but Reason is incorrect.
Both Assertion and Reason are incorrect.
Correct Answer
Detailed Explanation
Option A is correct because both the assertion and reason are true: alkali metals such as potassium (K), rubidium (Rb), and cesium (Cs) do indeed form superoxides (e.g., KO₂), and superoxides contain the O₂²⁻ ion, which features a bond between two oxygen atoms, but it is not a double bond; rather, it has a unique bonding structure involving a superoxide ion. Other options are incorrect because option B suggests the reason is not a correct explanation, which is misleading as the bonding nature in superoxides is relevant to the assertion; option C incorrectly states that the assertion is true while the reason is false; and option D incorrectly claims both statements are false. Understanding the structure of superoxides is essential for grasping the unique chemistry of alkali metal oxides.
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