(A) : Lithium salts are most hydrated amongst alkali metal salts.
(R) : The hydration enthalpy of alkali metal ions increase with decrease in ionic size.

see full answer

High-Paying Jobs That Even AI Can’t Replace — Through JEE/NEET

🎯 Hear from the experts why preparing for JEE/NEET today sets you up for future-proof, high-income careers tomorrow.

An Intiative by Sri Chaitanya

(A) is true but (R) is false

Both (A) and (R) are true but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A)

Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A)

Both (A) and (R) are false

answer is A.

(Unlock A.I Detailed Solution for FREE)

Best Courses for You

JEE

NEET

Foundation JEE

Foundation NEET

CBSE

Detailed Solution

Lithium is the smallest in size among the alkali metals. Hence, Li⁺ ion can polarize water molecules more easily than other alkali metals. As a result, water molecules get attached to lithium salts as water of crystallization.
Hence, lithium salts such as trihydrated lithium chloride (LiCl.3H₂0) are commonly hydrated. As the size of the ions increases, their polarizing power decreases. Thus hydration enthalpies decreases.Hence, other alkali metal ions usually form anhydrous salts.
Hence both Assertion and Reason are correct also Reason is correct explanation for Assertion.

Watch 3-min video & get full concept clarity