Question

An atom with an electron configuration of $1s^{2}2s^{2}2p^{6}3s^{2}3p^4$ will probably exhibit an oxidation state of:

• A. $+2$
• B. $-2$
• C. $+3$
• D. $-3$
• E. $+5$

Answer 1

Answer: (B)

$-2$

Since the outer $p$ orbital can accommodate $6$ electrons on its orbitals and it is short of two electrons so by gaining two electrons it completes its octet with $-2$ oxidation state.