Given below are two statements: Statement I: The reducing character of Group 16 hydrides decreases down the group in the order H ₂ S H ₂ Se H ₂ Te . Statement II: The bond dissociation enthalpy of the H-E bond (where E is a Group 16 element) decreases down the group from oxygen to tellurium. In the light of the above statements, choose the correct answer from the options given below:

Step-by-step solution

The reducing character of Group 16 hydrides depends on the ease with which they can release hydrogen, which in turn depends on the H-E bond dissociation enthalpy. As we move down the group from oxygen to tellurium, the atomic size of the central atom (E) increases. This results in an increase in the H-E bond length and a corresponding decrease in the H-E bond dissociation enthalpy. Therefore, Statement II is true. Because the H-E bond becomes weaker and easier to break down the group, the tendency to release hydrog