Which of the following statements is correct with respect to the property of elements wiith increase in atomic number of ini the carbon family (group 14)?

Options

A. Their metallic character decreases.
B. The stability of +2 oxidation state increases.
C. Their ionization energy increases
D. Their atomic size decreases.

Answer

To determine which statement is correct regarding the properties of elements in the carbon family (Group 14) as atomic number increases, we can analyze the trends observed in this group. The elements in this group include carbon (C), silicon (Si), germanium (Ge), tin (Sn), and lead (Pb).

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Identify the Elements in Group 14**:
- The carbon family consists of the following elements: Carbon (C), Silicon (Si), Germanium (Ge), Tin (Sn), and Lead (Pb).

2. **Understand the Trend of Metallic Character**:
- As we move down the group from carbon to lead, the metallic character increases. Carbon is a non-metal, silicon is a metalloid, germanium is also a metalloid, while tin and lead are metals. Therefore, the statement regarding increasing metallic character is correct.

3. **Examine Ionization Energy**:
- Ionization energy generally decreases as we move down a group due to the increase in atomic size. Larger atoms have their outermost electrons further from the nucleus, making them easier to remove. Thus, the statement that ionization energy increases down the group is incorrect.

4. **Analyze Atomic Size**:
- Atomic size increases down the group. This is because additional electron shells are added as we move down the group, leading to larger atomic radii. Therefore, the statement that atomic size decreases is also incorrect.

5. **Consider Oxidation States**:
- The carbon family can exhibit oxidation states of +2 and +4. However, as we move down the group, the stability of the +2 oxidation state increases due to the inert pair effect. This effect causes the s-electrons to be less available for bonding, making the +2 state more stable than the +4 state. Thus, the statement that the stability of the +2 oxidation state increases down the group is correct.

### Conclusion:
The correct statement regarding the properties of elements in the carbon family with an increase in atomic number is that the stability of the +2 oxidation state increases down the group.