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Question

Which one of the following statements is NOT correct?

This question was previously asked in
CDS I 2016 English Previous Year Paper (14-Feb-2016)
The correct answer is

Hydrogen has no isotopes.

Understanding Hydrogen Properties

Let's analyze each statement about Hydrogen to determine which one is NOT correct.

Statement 1: Hydrogen is an element.

This statement is correct. Hydrogen is the chemical element with the symbol H and atomic number 1. It is the first element in the periodic table.

Statement 2: Hydrogen is the lightest element.

This statement is also correct. With an atomic mass of approximately 1.008 atomic mass units (amu), hydrogen is the lightest element.

Statement 3: Hydrogen has no isotopes.

This statement is NOT correct. Hydrogen has several isotopes. The most common is Protium (\(^1\)H), which has one proton and no neutrons. However, hydrogen also exists naturally as Deuterium (\(^2\)H or D), which has one proton and one neutron, and Tritium (\(^3\)H or T), which has one proton and two neutrons. Tritium is radioactive.

Therefore, the statement that hydrogen has no isotopes is false.

Statement 4: Hydrogen and oxygen form an explosive mixture.

This statement is correct. A mixture of hydrogen gas (\(H_2\)) and oxygen gas (\(O_2\)) is highly flammable and can explode when ignited. The reaction is:

\[2H_2(g) + O_2(g) \rightarrow 2H_2O(l) + Energy\]

This reaction releases a significant amount of energy, often resulting in an explosion when the gases are mixed in appropriate proportions (typically 2 parts hydrogen to 1 part oxygen by volume, or within the flammability limits).

Identifying the Incorrect Statement

Based on the analysis:

  • Statement 1 is correct.
  • Statement 2 is correct.
  • Statement 3 is NOT correct (Hydrogen has isotopes).
  • Statement 4 is correct.

The statement that is NOT correct is "Hydrogen has no isotopes."

Revision Table: Hydrogen Facts

Property/Statement Correctness Explanation
Hydrogen is an element. Correct It is element number 1 on the periodic table.
Hydrogen is the lightest element. Correct It has the lowest atomic mass.
Hydrogen has no isotopes. Incorrect It has isotopes like Protium (\(^1\)H), Deuterium (\(^2\)H), and Tritium (\(^3\)H).
Hydrogen and oxygen form an explosive mixture. Correct The reaction \(2H_2 + O_2\) is highly exothermic and can cause an explosion.

Additional Information: Hydrogen Isotopes and Properties

Isotopes are atoms of the same element that have the same number of protons but different numbers of neutrons. Hydrogen's isotopes are particularly well-known:

  • Protium (\(^1\)H): The most abundant isotope (over 99.98% of natural hydrogen). It has 1 proton and 0 neutrons.
  • Deuterium (\(^2\)H or D): Also called "heavy hydrogen." It has 1 proton and 1 neutron. It makes up a small percentage of natural hydrogen and is used in heavy water (\(D_2O\)).
  • Tritium (\(^3\)H or T): A radioactive isotope with a half-life of about 12.32 years. It has 1 proton and 2 neutrons. It is produced in nuclear reactors.

Hydrogen is a highly reactive element, especially under certain conditions. Its reaction with oxygen is a classic example of its high energy potential, used in applications like rocket fuel.

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