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JAMB Chemistry 1981 Question 46

Question 46

Nitrogen and its Compounds

What happens when the nitrates of potassium, calcium, zinc and copper are separately heated?

  1. A.All the nitrates will decompose to their respective metals
  2. B.The nitrates of calcium and potassium will decompose to their nitrites.
  3. C.Only copper nitrate decomposes to the metal
  4. D.Only the nitrates of zinc and copper will decompose to their oxides
  5. E.The nitrates of calcium, zinc and copper decompose to their oxides.
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: E (The nitrates of calcium, zinc and copper decompose to their oxides.)

Explanation

Potassium nitrate (a very reactive metal) gives the nitrite and oxygen; the nitrates of calcium, zinc and copper give the metal oxide, nitrogen(IV) oxide and oxygen.