Which formula represents a nitrate salt of an alkali metal?

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Multiple Choice

Which formula represents a nitrate salt of an alkali metal?

Explanation:
Nitrate salts of alkali metals are made from a Group 1 metal ion (Li+, Na+, K+, etc) paired with the nitrate ion (NO3−). These metals form a +1 charge, so the salt has the form MNO3. Potassium nitrate, KNO3, is exactly this: a +1 potassium ion combined with NO3−. The other formulas involve a non-alkali metal (Zn2+ or Cu2+) or an ion that isn’t an alkali metal (NH4+ is ammonium, not an alkali metal). So KNO3 is the nitrate salt of an alkali metal.

Nitrate salts of alkali metals are made from a Group 1 metal ion (Li+, Na+, K+, etc) paired with the nitrate ion (NO3−). These metals form a +1 charge, so the salt has the form MNO3.

Potassium nitrate, KNO3, is exactly this: a +1 potassium ion combined with NO3−. The other formulas involve a non-alkali metal (Zn2+ or Cu2+) or an ion that isn’t an alkali metal (NH4+ is ammonium, not an alkali metal). So KNO3 is the nitrate salt of an alkali metal.

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