Question:medium

Identify the correct order of acidity of hydrides of 16$^{th}$ group elements from the following.

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For hydrides in a group, acidity increases down the group due to a decrease in bond dissociation enthalpy.
Updated On: May 14, 2026
  • $H_2O > H_2S > H_2Se > H_2Te$
  • $H_2Te > H_2O > H_2S > H_2Se$
  • $H_2Te > H_2Se > H_2S > H_2O$
  • $H_2Te > H_2Se > H_2O > H_2S$
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The Correct Option is C

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Understanding the Question:
The question asks for the trend in acidic strength for the hydrides of the oxygen family (Group 16).
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
1. Acidic strength depends on the ease with which a hydride can release a proton ($H^+$ ion).
2. As we go down the group from O to Te, the atomic size increases.
3. Consequently, the $H-E$ bond (where $E$ is the group 16 element) becomes longer and weaker.
4. The bond dissociation enthalpy decreases down the group.
5. Therefore, $H_2Te$ releases protons more easily than $H_2O$.
6. The correct order of acidic strength is: $H_2O<H_2S<H_2Se<H_2Te$.
Step 4: Final Answer:
The correct increasing order of acidity is $H_2Te>H_2Se>H_2S>H_2O$.
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