Question

Which one out of the following statements is incorrect for ortho and para hydrogen?

• A. Orthohydrogen is thermodynamically unstable at low temperatures
• B. It is not possible to obtain a sample containing more than 75% orthohydrogen by heating
• C. They differ in the spin of their protons
• D. The ratio of ortho to para hydrogen decreases with increase in temperature and finally pure ortho form is obtained.

Answer 1

The correct option is D The ratio of ortho to para hydrogen decreases with increase in temperature and finally pure ortho form is obtained.

While the other statements are true, the ratio of ortho to para hydrogen increases with increase in temperature and the ratio peaks at 3:1. Thus, it is not possible to obtain a sample containing more than 75% orthohydrogen by heating