Compare the solubility and thermal stability of the following compounds of the alkali metals with those of the alkaline earth metals. (a) Nitrates (b) Carbonates (c) Sulphates.

Explanation

To compare the solubility and thermal stability of the nitrates, carbonates, and sulphates of alkali metals (Group 1) with those of alkaline earth metals (Group 2), we can analyze each compound type step by step.

### Step 1: Nitrates
- **Alkali Metals**: The nitrates of alkali metals are generally soluble in water. For example, lithium nitrate (LiNO3) decomposes upon heating to form lithium nitrite (LiNO2) and nitrogen oxides. Other alkali metal nitrates, like potassium nitrate (KNO3), decompose to form potassium nitrite (KNO2) and oxygen (O2).
- **Alkaline Earth Metals**: The nitrates of alkaline earth metals are also soluble in water. However, they decompose upon heating to form metal oxides and nitrogen oxides. For instance, calcium nitrate (Ca(NO3)2) decomposes to give calcium oxide (CaO) and nitrogen oxides.

**Comparison**:
- Both alkali and alkaline earth metal nitrates are soluble in water.
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