Which of the following element does not show the variable oxidation state ?

Options

A. Fe
B. Mn
C. Cu
D. Zn

Answer

To determine which of the following elements does not show a variable oxidation state, we can analyze the electronic configurations and oxidation states of the given elements.

1. **Identify the Elements**: The elements in question are Iron (Fe), Manganese (Mn), Copper (Cu), and Zinc (Zn).

2. **Analyze Iron (Fe)**:
- Electronic configuration: [Ar] 3d^6 4s^2
- Possible oxidation states: +2 (losing 2 electrons from 4s) and +3 (losing one additional electron from 3d).
- Conclusion: Iron shows variable oxidation states.

3. **Analyze Manganese (Mn)**:
- Electronic configuration: [Ar] 3d^5 4s^2
- Possible oxidation states: +2 (losing 2 electrons from 4s) to +7 (losing all 5 from 3d and 2 from 4s).
- Conclusion: Manganese shows variable oxidation states.

4. **Analyze Copper (Cu)**:
- Electronic configuration: [Ar] 3d^10 4s^1
- Possible oxidation states: +1 (losing 1 electron from 4s) and +2 (losing one electron from 3d).
- Conclusion: Copper shows variable oxidation states.

5. **Analyze Zinc (Zn)**:
- Electronic configuration: [Ar] 3d^10 4s^2
- Possible oxidation state: +2 (losing 2 electrons from 4s).
- Conclusion: Zinc does not show variable oxidation states as it can only exhibit one oxidation state.

6. **Final Conclusion**: Among the elements analyzed, Zinc (Zn) is the only element that does not show a variable oxidation state.