Both representative as well as transition elements exhibit variable oxidation states. Expalin with example, the characteristic dissimilarities between the compounds formed by these elements.

Explanation

The difference between any two consecutive oxidation states in the compounds of a p-block element is 2 units. For example : Chlorine shows the following variable oxidation states : `-1, +1, +3, +5, +7` whereas, the difference between any two consecutive oxidation states in the compounds of a transition elements is 1 unit. For example, iron shows + 2 and + 3 oxidation states in its compounds.