When heated in air, the alkali metals form various oxides. Mention the oxides formed by Li, Na and K.

When heated in air, the alkali metals form various oxides. Mention the

1.	When heated in air, the alkali metals form various oxides. Mention the oxides formed by Li, Na and K.
Answer» Solution :Alkali metals react with `O_(2)`and REACTIVITY increases down the group. These elements give three types of oxides - normal oxides, peroxides and superoxides. `4Li+O_(2) overset(Delta)to 2Li_(2)O` `6Na+2O_(2) overset(Delta)to underset("PEROXIDE")underset("Sodium")(Na_(2)O_(2)) +underset("oxide") underset("Sodium")(2Na_(2)O)` `K+O_(2) overset(Delta)to underset("SUPEROXIDE")underset("Potassium")(KO_(2))+underset("Peroxide")(K_(2) O_(2))+underset("Monoxide")(K_(2)(O))` Superoxide `(O_(2)^(-))` is STABLE only with positive ion with high atomic size like K, Rb, Cs.