Question

Arrange the following hydrides of group 16 elements in order of increasing stability:

• A. $H_{2}S$ < $H_{2}O$ < $H_{2}Te$ > $H_{2}Se$
• B. $H_{2}O$ < $H_{2}Te$ < $H_{2}Se$ < $H_{2}S$
• C. $H_{2}O$ < $H_{2}S$ < $H_{2}Se$ < $H_{2}Te$
• D. $H_{2}Te$ < $H_{2}Se$ < $H_{2}S$ < $H_{2}O$

Answer 1

The correct option is D $H_{2}Te$ < $H_{2}Se$ < $H_{2}S$ < $H_{2}O$

As we move down the group the size increases thereby decreasing the effective nuclear charge thereby decreasing stability.

$H_{2}Te<H_{2}Se<H_{2}S<H_{2}O$