What quality differentiates hydrogen (H) from the other elements in group 1, the alkali metals?
1. It has more than one valence electron.
2. It is found by itself in nature.
3. It is not very reactive.
4. It is a non-metal.
2. It is found by itself in nature.
Isnt it a non metal tho too while all other elements are metal?
You are correct, hydrogen is also a non-metal, while the other elements in group 1, the alkali metals, are metals. So, the correct answer would be:
4. It is a non-metal.
The correct answer is:
2. It is found by itself in nature.
Hydrogen is different from the other elements in Group 1, the alkali metals, because it is the only element that is found by itself in nature. Alkali metals, such as lithium, sodium, and potassium, are always found in compounds with other elements, such as oxygen or chlorine. Hydrogen, on the other hand, is commonly found in its elemental form, consisting of H2 molecules.
To determine the quality that differentiates hydrogen (H) from the other elements in group 1, the alkali metals, we can examine the options provided:
1. It has more than one valence electron: This statement is incorrect. Hydrogen, like the other elements in group 1, has one valence electron.
2. It is found by itself in nature: This statement is incorrect. While hydrogen can be found by itself in the form of diatomic molecules (H2), it is also commonly found combined with other elements, such as in water (H2O) or hydrocarbons.
3. It is not very reactive: This statement is also incorrect. Alkali metals, including elements in group 1, are highly reactive, easily losing their valence electron to form positive ions. Hydrogen, on the other hand, can behave as both a nonmetal and a metal, and its reactivity is more variable depending on the specific conditions.
4. It is a non-metal: This statement is correct. Hydrogen is not classified as a metal but rather as a nonmetal, even though it can exhibit metal-like properties in certain circumstances.
Therefore, the correct answer is option 4: Hydrogen differentiates from the other elements in group 1, the alkali metals, as it is a non-metal.