Among the following, which the maximum hydration energy?

Options

A. `OH^(-)`
B. `NH_(4)^(+)`
C. `F^(-)`
D. `H^(+)`

Answer

To determine which ion has the maximum hydration energy among the given options (OH⁻, NH₄⁺, F⁻, and H⁺), we can follow these steps:

### Step 1: Understand Hydration Energy
Hydration energy is the amount of energy released when one mole of an ion is surrounded by water molecules. It is an important concept in chemistry as it helps us understand the solubility and stability of ions in solution.

### Step 2: Analyze the Size of Ions
Hydration energy is inversely proportional to the size of the ion. This means that smaller ions will have higher hydration energy because they can interact more effectively with water molecules.

### Step 3: Compare the Sizes of Given Ions
- **H⁺ (Hydrogen ion)**: The smallest ion, essentially just a proton.
- **NH₄⁺ (Ammonium ion)**: Larger than H⁺ due to the presence of nitrogen and hydrogen atoms.
- **F⁻ (Fluoride ion)**: Larger than H⁺, as it is a negatively charged ion with more electrons.
- **OH⁻ (Hydroxide ion)**: Larger than H⁺ as it contains both oxygen and hydrogen.

### Step 4: Determine the Ion with Maximum Hydration Energy
Since hydration energy is inversely proportional to the size of the ion, the smallest ion will have the maximum hydration energy. Among the given ions, H⁺ is the smallest.

### Conclusion
Therefore, the ion with the maximum hydration energy among the given options is **H⁺**.

---