Question

Which of the following statements concerning protium, deuterium and tritium is not true?

• A. They are isotopes of each other
• B. They have similar electronic configurations
• C. They exist in the nature in the ratio of $1:2:3$
• D. Their mass numbers are in the ratio of $1:2:3$

Answer 1

The correct option is C They exist in the nature in the ratio of $1:2:3$

Protium is the most abundant isotope of hydrogen. The abundances of protium, deuterium and tritium are 99.984%, 0.016% and ${10}^{-15}$% respectively. The ratio of protium to deuterium is $6400:1$.

Thus, statement C is not true. But statements A, B and C are true. Protium, deuterium, and tritium are isotopes of hydrogen with mass numbers 1, 2 and 3. Their electronic configuration is $1s^1$ .