The correct answer is: A. 1 and 2
Statement 1 is correct because all non-metals are either solids or gases, except bromine, which is a liquid. Statement 2 is also correct because iodine is a non-metal that is lustrous. However, statement 3 is incorrect because diamond is not the hardest natural substance. The hardest natural substance is a mineral called moissanite.
Here is a brief explanation of each statement:
- Statement 1: The non-metals are either solids or gases except bromine which is a liquid.
This statement is correct because all non-metals are either solids or gases, except bromine, which is a liquid. The non-metals are elements that are not metals. They are typically poor conductors of heat and electricity, and they are not shiny. Some examples of non-metals are carbon, oxygen, nitrogen, hydrogen, and sulfur.
- Statement 2: Iodine is a non-metal but it is lustrous.
This statement is also correct because iodine is a non-metal that is lustrous. Lustrous means that a substance has a shiny surface. Iodine is a non-metal that is a solid at room temperature. It is a dark purple solid that has a metallic luster.
- Statement 3: Diamond, an allotrope of carbon, is the hardest natural substance.
This statement is incorrect because diamond is not the hardest natural substance. The hardest natural substance is a mineral called moissanite. Moissanite is a silicon carbide that is found in meteorites. It is harder than diamond and has a higher refractive index.