Step 1: Understanding hydrides.
Hydrides are compounds that contain hydrogen, but the number of hydrogen atoms varies depending on the metal's ability to bond with hydrogen. Some metal hydrides are deficient in hydrogen, meaning they have fewer hydrogen atoms than expected.
Step 2: Analyzing the options.
(A) LiH: Lithium hydride (LiH) is a simple ionic hydride and has a typical stoichiometry of one hydrogen atom per lithium atom.
(B) KH: Potassium hydride (KH) similarly has one hydrogen atom per potassium atom.
(C) NiH: Nickel hydride (NiH) is deficient in hydrogen compared to the other metal hydrides. This hydride typically has fewer hydrogen atoms than the stoichiometric amount expected.
(D) NaH: Sodium hydride (NaH) has a stoichiometry of one hydrogen atom per sodium atom, similar to LiH and KH.
Step 3: Conclusion.
The correct answer is (C) NiH, as it is deficient in hydrogen.