Question Detail
Question
What is the primary reason for the lower oxidation state becoming more stable as a group is descended in the P-block?
Correct Answer
Option C is the correct answer.
Detailed Explanation
Page 5 states that P-block elements exhibit more than one stable oxidation state, and the oxidation state other than the group oxidation state generally differs in steps of 2 units due to the inert pair effect. This effect makes the lower oxidation state more stable as the group is descended.
Hint
Consider the stability of the s-electrons in heavier elements.