Which of the following statement is correct with respect to property of elements in the carbon family with an increase atomic number, their ?

Question

Accepted Answer

The correct answer is Option 4: "Stability of +2 oxidation state increases." Let's explore why this is the correct choice and why the other options are incorrect.

1. **Explanation for Option 4: Stability of +2 oxidation state increases**
   - As we move down the carbon family (Group 14) in the periodic table, the atomic number increases, and the elements exhibit a greater tendency to form compounds in the +2 oxidation state. This is due to the inert pair effect, where the s-electrons in the outermost shell become less available for bonding as the atomic size increases. This effect is more pronounced in heavier elements like lead (Pb), which commonly exhibits a +2 oxidation state, compared to carbon (C) and silicon (Si), which predominantly show a +4 oxidation state. Thus, the stability of the +2 oxidation state increases with an increase in atomic number within the carbon family.

2. **Explanation for why other options are incorrect:**

- **Option 1: Atomic size decreases**
     - This statement is incorrect because, in reality, the atomic size increases as we move down the group. This is due to the addition of electron shells, which outweighs the increase in nuclear charge, leading to a larger atomic radius.

- **Option 2: Ionization energy increases**
     - This statement is incorrect because ionization energy generally decreases as we move down a group. The increased atomic size and the additional electron shells result in a weaker attraction between the nucleus and the outermost electrons, making it easier to remove an electron.

- **Option 3: Metallic character decreases**
     - This statement is incorrect because the metallic character actually increases as we move down the group. Elements become more metallic in nature due to the increased atomic size and decreased ionization energy, which makes it easier for them to lose electrons and exhibit metallic properties.

In conclusion, Option 4 is the correct answer because the stability of the +2 oxidation state increases with an increase in atomic number in the carbon family, primarily due to the inert pair effect. The other options are incorrect based on the trends observed in the periodic table for atomic size, ionization energy, and metallic character.