NEET levelSingle correct optionDifficulty 1 of 3sb057
Which alkali metal combines directly with nitrogen at ordinary temperature to form a nitride?
ASodium
BLithium
CPotassium
DCaesium
Answer: B
Only lithium forms a stable nitride, LiX3N, by direct reaction with NX2 (slowly at room temperature). The nitride lattice needs the very small, highly charge-dense Li+ ion; the heavier alkali metals do not do this.