Read the Assertion and Reason below and choose the correct option. — Solid State Chemistry Question

💡 Solution & Explanation

Statement I (Assertion) is true because an MX solid maintains its 1:1 stoichiometry even with Schottky defects. Statement II (Reason) makes a general claim that "equal numbers of cation and anion vacancies are present," which is true for MX but false for general ionic solids like $MX_2$ (where 1 cation vacancy corresponds to 2 anion vacancies). Thus, the reason as a broad statement is false. Therefore, correct answer is C.