The increasing order of volatility of hydrides of group 16 elements is -

Options

A. `H_(2) O lt H_(2) Te lt H_(2) Se lt H_(2)S`
B. `H_(2)S lt H_(2)O lt H_(2)Se lt H_(2)Te`
C. `H_(2)O lt H_(2) S lt H_(2)Se lt H_(2)Te`
D. `H_(2)Te lt H_(2)Se lt H_(2)S lt H_(2)O`

Answer

To determine the increasing order of volatility of hydrides of group 16 elements, we will analyze the hydrides: H2O (water), H2S (hydrogen sulfide), H2Se (hydrogen selenide), and H2Te (hydrogen telluride).

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Identify the Hydrides**: The hydrides of group 16 elements are H2O, H2S, H2Se, and H2Te.

2. **Understand Volatility**: Volatility refers to how readily a substance vaporizes. Generally, as molecular mass increases, volatility decreases due to stronger intermolecular forces.

3. **Compare Molecular Masses**:
- H2O: Molecular mass = 18 g/mol
- H2S: Molecular mass = 34 g/mol
- H2Se: Molecular mass = 80 g/mol
- H2Te: Molecular mass = 130 g/mol

4. **Consider Intermolecular Forces**:
- H2O exhibits strong hydrogen bonding, which significantly decreases its volatility.
- H2S, H2Se, and H2Te primarily exhibit weaker van der Waals forces, leading to higher volatility compared to H2O.

5. **Order Based on Volatility**:
- H2O has the strongest intermolecular forces due to hydrogen bonding, making it the least volatile.
- H2S is next, followed by H2Se, and finally H2Te, which has the highest molecular mass but weaker intermolecular forces.

6. **Final Increasing Order of Volatility**:
- H2S < H2Se < H2Te < H2O

### Conclusion:
The increasing order of volatility of the hydrides of group 16 elements is:
**H2S < H2Se < H2Te < H2O**