Which of the following statement is false ?

Options

A. Strontium decomposes water readily than beryllium
B. `BaCO_3` melts at a higher temperature than `CaCO_3`
C. Barium hydroxide is more soluble in water than `Mg(OH)_2`
D. Beryllium hydroxide is more basic than barium hydroxide

Explanation

To determine which of the given statements is false, we will analyze each statement one by one, focusing on the properties of alkaline earth metals and their compounds.

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Statement 1: Strontium decomposes water more readily than barium.**
- Strontium (Sr) is indeed more electropositive than barium (Ba). Therefore, it reacts with water more readily than barium does.
- **Conclusion:** This statement is true.

2. **Statement 2: Barium carbonate melts at a higher temperature than calcium carbonate.**
- As we move down the group in the alkaline earth metals, the stability of carbonates increases. Barium carbonate (BaCO₃) has a higher melting point compared to calcium carbonate (CaCO₃).
- **Conclusion:** This statement is true.

3. **Statement 3: Barium hydroxide is more soluble in water than magnesium hydroxide.**
- The solubility of hydroxides increases down the group in alkaline earth metals. Barium hydroxide (Ba(OH)₂) is indeed more soluble in water than magnesium hydroxide (Mg(OH)₂).
- **Conclusion:** This statement is true.

4. **Statement 4: Beryllium hydroxide is more basic than barium hydroxide.**
- As we move down the group, the basicity of hydroxides increases due to the increase in atomic size and decrease in ionization energy. Therefore, barium hydroxide (Ba(OH)₂) is more basic than beryllium hydroxide (Be(OH)₂).
- **Conclusion:** This statement is false.

### Final Answer:
The false statement is: **Beryllium hydroxide is more basic than barium hydroxide.**