Question

Ortho and para forms of hydrogen have:

• A. different physical and chemical properties
• B. identical physical properties but different chemical properties
• C. identical chemical properties but different physical properties
• D. identical chemical and physical properties

Hint:

Ortho and para forms of hydrogen differ in nuclear spin, which affects their physical properties like magnetic behavior and energy levels, but they have the same chemical properties.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Ortho and para hydrogen are two different spin isomers (nuclear spin isomers) of hydrogen. Both forms consist of hydrogen molecules (H\(_2\)), but the difference lies in the relative spins of the protons in the hydrogen molecules. 1. Ortho hydrogen has parallel spins of the two protons. 2. Para hydrogen has antiparallel spins of the two protons. - Chemical properties: Both ortho and para hydrogen behave chemically in the same way because they have the same molecular structure and both consist of H\(_2\) molecules. Therefore, their chemical properties are identical. - Physical properties: Ortho and para hydrogen have different physical properties, particularly their magnetic properties, due to the difference in nuclear spin. Ortho hydrogen has higher energy and is more stable at higher temperatures, while para hydrogen is more stable at low temperatures. Thus, the correct answer is \( \boxed{{C}} \), identical chemical properties but different physical properties.