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)`

Explanation

To determine which element with the given outer orbital configuration may exhibit the largest number of oxidation states, we can follow these steps:

### Step 1: Understand Oxidation States
Oxidation states refer to the degree of oxidation of an atom in a compound. The number of oxidation states an element can exhibit is often related to the number of unpaired electrons in its outer shell, particularly in the d-orbitals for transition metals.

### Step 2: Analyze the Outer Orbital Configurations
The outer orbital configurations of the elements need to be analyzed. For transition metals, the d-orbitals play a crucial role in determining the number of oxidation states.

### Step 3: Identify Unpaired Electrons
The number of unpaired electrons in the d-orbitals of the elements will indicate the potential oxidation states. More unpaired electrons typically allow for a greater variety of oxidation states.

### Step 4: Compare the Elements
Let’s assume we have the following configurations:
- Element A: \( [Ar] 3d^3 4s^2 \) (e.g., Vanadium)
- Element B: \( [Ar] 3d^5 4s^2 \) (e.g., Manganese)
- Element C: \( [Ar] 3d^5 4s^1 \) (e.g., Chromium)
- Element D: \( [Ar] 3d^2 4s^2 \) (e.g., Titanium)

### Step 5: Count Unpaired Electrons
- Element A (3 unpaired electrons in d-orbital)
- Element B (5 unpaired electrons in d-orbital)
- Element C (6 unpaired electrons in d-orbital)
- Element D (2 unpaired electrons in d-orbital)

### Step 6: Determine Maximum Oxidation States
The maximum oxidation state can be determined based on the number of unpaired electrons:
- Element A can exhibit oxidation states of +2, +3, etc.
- Element B can exhibit oxidation states from +2 to +7.
- Element C can exhibit oxidation states from +1 to +6.
- Element D can exhibit oxidation states from +2, etc.

### Step 7: Conclusion
Among the given elements, Element B (Manganese) exhibits the largest number of oxidation states, ranging from +2 to +7.

### Final Answer
The element with the outer orbital configuration that may exhibit the largest number of oxidation states is **Manganese (Element B)**.

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