Question:

Identify the correct statements from the following:
(a) Alkali metals are strong reducing agents.
(b) KO\(_2\) is a diamagnetic oxide.
(c) Lithium chloride exists as LiCl·2H\(_2\)O.

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Always check electronic configuration and unpaired electrons to determine reducing power and paramagnetic/diamagnetic nature. For hydrates, small cations like Li\(^+\) stabilize water molecules forming crystalline hydrates.
Updated On: Jun 26, 2026
  • a, b only
  • a, c only
  • b, c only
  • a, b, c
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The Correct Option is B

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Analyze statement (a).
Alkali metals (Li, Na, K, etc.) have low ionization energies and easily lose their single valence electron. This makes them strong reducing agents because they readily donate electrons to other species. Hence, statement (a) is correct.

Step 2: Analyze statement (b).
KO\(_2\) (potassium superoxide) contains the O\(_2^-\) ion, which has an unpaired electron. Therefore, KO\(_2\) is paramagnetic, not diamagnetic. Statement (b) is incorrect.

Step 3: Analyze statement (c).
Lithium chloride exists as a dihydrate, LiCl·2H\(_2\)O, due to the small size of Li\(^+\) which allows it to strongly polarize water molecules and stabilize a hydrated crystal structure. Hence, statement (c) is correct.

Step 4: Combine results.
From steps 1–3, statements (a) and (c) are correct while (b) is incorrect.

Step 5: Select the correct option.
Among the given options, (2) a, c only matches our analysis.

Step 6: Conclusion.
\[ \boxed{\text{The correct statements are a and c only.}} \]
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