A primary standard is a substance used to prepare a standard solution whose concentration is known accurately. Such substances must satisfy several strict conditions.
Statement A: Hydrated salts can be used as primary standards if their composition is definite and stable. Hence, this statement is correct.
Statement B: A primary standard should not react with air (no oxidation, no absorption of CO₂ or moisture). This ensures accurate mass measurement. Hence, this statement is correct.
Statement C: The reaction of a primary standard must be fast, complete and stoichiometric so that the equivalence point is well-defined. Hence, this statement is correct.
Statement D: A primary standard must be soluble in water to prepare standard solutions. Therefore, saying it should not be soluble is incorrect.
Statement E: A primary standard should have a high relative molar mass to minimize weighing error. Hence, this statement is incorrect.
Thus, the correct statements are:
A, B and C only
Updated for JEE Main 2026: This PYQ is important for JEE Mains, JEE Advanced and other competitive exams. Practice more questions from this chapter.