Metallic (interstitial) hydrides exhibit non-stoichiometric compositions (e.g., ). Upon absorbing hydrogen into their crystal lattices, what counter-intuitive physical change occurs to the metal's den

Question

Metallic (interstitial) hydrides exhibit non-stoichiometric compositions (e.g., $TiH_{1.5-1.8}$). Upon absorbing hydrogen into their crystal lattices, what counter-intuitive physical change occurs to the metal's density compared to its pure elemental state?

Prashant Kotian · Accepted Answer

Correct answer: B. Although hydrogen adds mass to the solid, forcing the hydrogen atoms into the interstitial voids causes the metal's crystal lattice to expand substantially. This volume increase outweighs the small mass increase, resulting in the hydride having a *lower* density than the parent metal.

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