Question

Consider the following statements
Statement I: At room temperature H$_2$O is a liquid while H$_2$S is a gas
Statement II: H$_2$O is neutral while H$_2$S is acidic.
The correct answer is

• A. Both statements I and II are correct
• B. Both statements I and II are not correct
• C. Statement I is correct, but statement II is not correct
• D. Statement I is not correct, but statement II is correct

Hint:

H$_2$O’s high boiling point is due to hydrogen bonding; H$_2$S lacks strong H-bonding. H$_2$S is weakly acidic in water. Compare group 16 hydrides’ properties.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

1. Statement I: H$_2$O is liquid at 25°C (boiling point 100°C) due to strong hydrogen bonding; H$_2$S is gas (boiling point -60°C) with weaker H-bonding, correct.
2. Statement II: H$_2$O is neutral (pH ~7); H$_2$S forms weak acid H$_2$S(aq) $\to$ H$^+$ + HS$^-$, slightly acidic, correct.
3. Both statements hold based on physical and chemical properties.
4. Thus, the answer is (1) Both statements I and II are correct.