Which one of the elements with the following outer orbital configuration may exhibit the larger number of oxidation states ?

Options

A. `3d^(3), 4s^(2)`
B. `3d^(5), 4s^(1)`
C. `3d^(5), 4s^(2)`
D. `3d^(2), 4s^(2)`

Answer

C

Explanation

The sum of number of electrons (unpaired) in d-orbitals and number of electrons ins-orbital gives the number of oxidation states (os) exhibited by a d-block element. Therefore.
(a) ` 3d^(3),4s^(2) rArr OS = 3+2=5`
(b) `3d^(5),4s^(1)rArr OS = 5+1 = 6`
(c) `3d^(5), 4s^(2) rArr OS = 5+ 2=7`
(d) `3d^(2), 4s^(2) rArr OS = 2+2=4`
Hence, element with `3d^(5), 4s^(2)` configuration exhibits largest number of oxidation states.