Question

Which one of the elements with the following outer orbital configurations may exhibit the largest number of oxidation states?

• A. $3d^3,4s^2$
• B. $3d^5,4s^1$
• C. $3d^5,4s^2$
• D. $3d^2,4s^2$

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

To determine which element may exhibit the largest number of oxidation states, let's analyze the provided outer orbital configurations:

1. 3d^3,4s^2
2. 3d^5,4s^1
3. 3d^5,4s^2
4. 3d^2,4s^2

Oxidation states of elements depend on the number of electrons that can either be lost, gained, or shared with other atoms. Transition metals, in particular, can exhibit various oxidation states due to the involvement of their (n-1)d and ns orbitals in bonding. Let's evaluate each configuration:

1. Configuration: 3d^3,4s^2
   • This corresponds to Vanadium (V) in its ground state. Vanadium can exhibit oxidation states of +2, +3, +4, and +5.
2. Configuration: 3d^5,4s^1
   • This corresponds to Chromium (Cr) in an excited state. Chromium typically exhibits +1, +2, +3, +4, +5, and +6 oxidation states.
3. Configuration: 3d^5,4s^2
   • This represents Manganese (Mn) in its ground state. Manganese is known for having the most varied oxidation states: +2, +3, +4, +5, +6, and +7. Thus, it shows the largest number of oxidation states.
4. Configuration: 3d^2,4s^2
   • This corresponds to Titanium (Ti). Titanium mainly exhibits +2, +3, and +4 oxidation states.

Conclusion: Manganese with the electron configuration 3d^5,4s^2 exhibits the largest number of oxidation states. Therefore, the correct answer is 3d^5,4s^2.