Question

Elements of group 14

(a) exhibit oxidation state of +4 only

(b) exhibit oxidation state of +2 and +4

(c) form $M^{2–}$ and $M^{4+}$ ion

(d) form $M^{2+}$ and $M^{4+}$ ions

Answer 1

(b)The elements of group 14 have 4 valence electrons. Therefore, the oxidation state of the group is +4. However, as a result of the inert pair effect, the lower oxidation state becomes more and more stable and the higher oxidation state becomes less stable. Therefore, this group exhibits +4 and +2 oxidation states.