Question

Consider the element Na, F, I :

i) Identify the element that exhibits only negative oxidation states 

ii) Identify the element that exhibits only positive oxidation state .

iii) Identify the element that exhibits both positive and negative oxidation state.

Answer 1

(i) 'F' Fluorine exhibits only negative oxidation states because, fluorine is most electronegative atom in the periodic table.

(ii) 'Na' Sodium element exhibits only positive oxidation states because sodium element is most electropositive element.

(iii) 'I' Iodine element exhibits both positive and negative oxidation state because it is moderate electronegative element