Step 1: Analyze the properties of CO2 and H2 gases
Carbon dioxide (CO2) is a colourless gas that can dissolve in water to form carbonic acid (H2CO3).
Hydrogen gas (H2) is also colourless and is typically found in its molecular form as a gas.
Step 2: Evaluate the options
Option (1): Soluble in water: While both gases are soluble in water, this is not their most defining property.
Option (2): Colourless: Both CO2 and H2 gases are colourless, which is the most accurate and defining property in this case.
Option (3): Acidic: CO2 is acidic when dissolved in water, but this property does not apply to hydrogen gas, which is neutral.
Option (4): Heavier than air: CO2 is heavier than air, but hydrogen is lighter than air, making this option incorrect.
Step 3: Conclusion
The most accurate description of both gases is that they are colourless.
Conclusion: