Which among `CH_(4),SiH_(4),GeH_(4) and SnH_(4)` is the most volatile ?

Options

A. `CH_(4)`
B. `SiH_(4)`
C. `GeH_(4)`
D. `SnH_(4)`

Answer

To determine which among CH₄ (methane), SiH₄ (silane), GeH₄ (germane), and SnH₄ (stannane) is the most volatile, we can follow these steps:

### Step 1: Identify the Group
All the compounds belong to Group 14 of the periodic table. The elements in this group are carbon (C), silicon (Si), germanium (Ge), and tin (Sn).

### Step 2: Understand Volatility
Volatility refers to how readily a substance vaporizes. A more volatile substance has lower intermolecular forces and lower molecular mass.

### Step 3: Compare Molecular Masses
- **CH₄ (Methane)**: Molecular mass = 12 (C) + 4(1) (H) = 16 g/mol
- **SiH₄ (Silane)**: Molecular mass = 28 (Si) + 4(1) (H) = 32 g/mol
- **GeH₄ (Germane)**: Molecular mass = 74 (Ge) + 4(1) (H) = 78 g/mol
- **SnH₄ (Stannane)**: Molecular mass = 118 (Sn) + 4(1) (H) = 122 g/mol

### Step 4: Analyze Intermolecular Forces
The volatility of a substance is inversely proportional to the strength of its intermolecular forces. As the molecular mass increases, the van der Waals forces (a type of intermolecular force) also increase.

### Step 5: Determine the Order of Volatility
Since CH₄ has the lowest molecular mass, it will have the weakest van der Waals forces compared to the others. Therefore, it will be the most volatile.

### Conclusion
The most volatile compound among CH₄, SiH₄, GeH₄, and SnH₄ is **CH₄ (methane)**.