ortho and para hydrogen differ in the

Options

(a) nature of spin of protons
(b) nature of spin of electrons
(c) number of protons
(d) molecular weight

Correct Answer:

nature of spin of protons

Explanation:

ortho and para hydrogen differ in nature of spin of protons. If the spin of two nuclei in hydrogen molecule are parallel, then total spin(I) of the nuclei would be parallel, then total spin (I) of the nuclei would be 1/2 + 1/2 = 1. This type of hydrogen molecule is called ortho hydrogen.
If the spin of two nuclei in hydrogen molecule are antiparallel. i.e., in opposite direction, total spin (I) of the nuclei would be 1/2 – 1/2 = 0. this type hydrogen molecule is called as para hydrogen.