Question

Given below are two statements: One is labelled as Assertion A and the other is labelled as Reason R
Assertion A : Sodium is about 30 times as abundant as potassium in the oceans.
Reason R : Potassium is bigger in size than sodium.
In the light of the above statements, choose the correct answer from the options given below

• A. Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A
• B. Both A and R are true and R is NOT the correct explanation of A
• C. A is true but R is false
• D. A is false but R is true

Hint:

When evaluating assertion-reason questions, ensure the reason directly explains the as sertion. If both are correct but unrelated, choose the option that reflects this distinction

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Assertion (A): Sodium is about 30 times more abundant than potassium in the oceans. This is correct because sodium ions are more soluble in water compared to potassium ions, and sodium salts are more readily dissolved and transported into water bodies.

Reason (R): Potassium is larger in size than sodium due to its position below sodium in Group 1 of the periodic table. This is also correct.

However, the larger size of potassium does not explain the higher abundance of sodium. The abundance is influenced by the higher solubility of sodium salts rather than atomic size. Hence, the reason does not justify the assertion.

Conclusion: Both the assertion and reason are correct, but the reason is not the correct explanation for the assertion. The correct answer is option (1).