Which of the following statements are not true for hydrogen?

a. It exists as a diatomic molecule.
b. It has one electron in the outermost shell
c.  It can lose an electron to form a cation that can freely exist
d.  It forms a large number of ionic compounds by losing an electron


Choose the correct option

1. (a, b)

2. (b, c)

3. (c, d)

4. (a, d)

H+ does not exist freely and is always associated with other atoms or molecules. Like alkali metals, hydrogen forms oxides, halides and sulphides. However, unlike alkali metals, it has a very high ionization enthalpy and does not possess metallic characteristics under normal conditions.