Consider the following statements 1. The non-metals are either solids or gases except brominewhich is a liquid. 2. Iodine is a non-metal but it is lustrous. 3. Diamond, an allotrope of carbon, is the hardest natural substance. Which of the statements given above are correct? A. 1 and 2 B. 1 and 3 C. 1, 2 and 3 D. None of these

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.