The elements S, Te, and Se when arranged in the increasing order of the stability of their highest oxidation states, follow the order:
A) S

Question

The elements S, Te, and Se when arranged in the increasing order of the stability of their highest oxidation states, follow the order:
A) S < Se < Te.
B) S < Te < Se.
C) Se < Te < S.
D) Te < S < Se.
E) Te < Se < S.

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The stability of the highest oxidation states of elements in the same group of the periodic table generally increases with increasing atomic number due to inert pair effect. Thus, for the elements sulfur (S), selenium (Se), and tellurium (Te), the order of stability of their highest oxidation states increases as we move down the group: Te < Se < S.

The Elements S, Te, and Se When Arranged in the Increasing