Which of the following elements possesses the property of catenation?

Correct option is A

The correct answer is (a) Carbon.
· Catenation is the ability of an element to form long chains or rings by bonding with atoms of the same element.
· Carbon exhibits this property to a remarkable extent due to its small size, tetravalency, and strong carbon-carbon bond strength.
Key Facts About Carbon's Catenation:
· Carbon forms a variety of structures, including straight chains, branched chains, and rings, making it the basis of organic chemistry.
· Examples include hydrocarbons like alkanes, alkenes, and alkynes, as well as complex molecules like DNA and proteins.
Explanation of Other Options:
· Uranium : Does not exhibit catenation; it is a heavy radioactive element used in nuclear reactions.
· Hydrogen : Forms bonds with itself in molecules like H2H_2H2​, but it does not have the extensive catenation ability that carbon does.
· Helium : An inert noble gas that does not form bonds and hence does not exhibit catenation.