Question

Inert pair effect is shown by:

• A. $s$-block elements
• B. $p$-block elements
• C. $d$-block elements
• D. $f$-block elements

Answer 1

The correct option is B $p$-block elements

Inert pair effect is shown by p-block elements. The valence shell s electrons remain unionized or unshared in compounds formed by post-transition metals.

The ionization of s electrons is difficult as s electrons are tightly bound to the nucleus. Due to this, lower oxidation state (oxidation state less than group number by 2) is more stable than higher oxidation state (oxidation state equal to group number).

Hence,inert pair effect is shown by p-block elements.