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