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 M⁴⁺ ion

(d) form M²⁺ and M⁴⁺ 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.

Group 14 element	Oxidation state
C	+4
Si	+4
Ge, Sn, Pb	+2, +4