Hydrogen bonding and dipole-dipole forces.
having a lesser value by a process of depletion
The correct answer is C: the alkaline earth metals!
To determine what gas is this, we use Graham's Law of Effusion where it relates the rates of effusion of gases and their molar masses. We do as follows:
r1/r2 = √(M2 / M1)
Let 1 be the the unkown gas and 2 the H2 gas.
r1/r2 = 0.225
M2 = 2.02 g/mol
0.225 = √(2.02 / M1)
M1 = 39.90 g/mol
From the periodic table of elements, most likely, the gas is argon.