The nitrated of the group I elements decompose not to the oxide but to the nitrite
`(NO_(2)^(-))` although
`O^(2-)` is smaller than
`NO_(2)^(-)` why?

Options

A. Because only double charged aninons like `NO_(2)^(-)` decompose to oxide
B. Because the double charge on the oxygen would make the salt less stable than a singly charged nitrite anion
C. Because the nitrite anion contains two oxygen atom while the oxide anion contains only one
D. Because the nitrite anion is probably about the same size as the group I cations

Answer

D