Question

Consider the elements:
$Cs,Ne,I$ and $F$
Identify the element that exhibits only positive oxidation state.

Answer 1

(a) $F$ is more electronegative as it belongs to group $17;7$ and can show only negative oxidation state of $–1$.

(b) Caesium is highly electropositive and can show only $+1$ oxidation state as it has only one electron in its valence shell.

(c) $I$ has $7$ electrons in its valence shell and can, therefore, exhibit an oxidation state of $–1$, However since Iodine has empty d orbitals it can also exhibit different oxidation state like $+1,+3,+5,+7$.

(d) Neon is an inert gas and hence do not exhibit any oxidation state.