Question

Copper exhibit +2 and+1 oxidation state whereas Zinc shows only +2 oxidation state. Why?

Answer 1

Dear Student,

+2 state is the common oxidation state of transition metals.
Cu has electronic configuration : 3d^​10 4s¹
Cu can lose the unpaired electron present in 4s in order to attain fulfilled stability and can show +1 oxidation state also.

Zn has electronic configuration : 3d¹⁰ 4s²
Now, Zn donot have +1 oxidation state. This is because, +2 state is more stable as it will lead to full filled stability.