The correct answer is: D. Its non-metallic character
Hydrogen is a non-metal, while alkali metals are metals. This means that hydrogen has properties that are more like those of non-metals, such as being a gas at room temperature and being a poor conductor of electricity. Alkali metals, on the other hand, are solids at room temperature and are good conductors of electricity.
Here is a brief explanation of each option:
- A. Its electropositive character
Electropositive character is the ability of an atom to lose electrons. Alkali metals are highly electropositive, meaning that they easily lose electrons to form positive ions. Hydrogen, on the other hand, is not as electropositive as alkali metals.
- B. Its affinity for non-metals
Affinity for non-metals is the tendency of an atom to combine with non-metals. Alkali metals have a high affinity for non-metals, meaning that they easily combine with non-metals to form compounds. Hydrogen, on the other hand, has a lower affinity for non-metals than alkali metals.
- C. Its reducing character
Reducing character is the ability of an atom to donate electrons to another atom. Alkali metals are strong reducing agents, meaning that they easily donate electrons to other atoms. Hydrogen, on the other hand, is not as strong a reducing agent as alkali metals.