Which of the following arrangements shows the correct order of increasing stability?

Options

A. `C^(2+) lt Ge^(2+) lt Sn^(2+) lt Pb^(2+)`
B. `Ge^(2+) lt C^(2+) lt Sn^(2+) lt Pb^(2+)`
C. `Sn^(2+) lt C^(2+) lt Ge^(2+) lt Pb^(2+)`
D. `Pb^(2+) lt Ge^(2+) lt C^(2+) lt Sn^(2+)`

Explanation

To determine the correct order of increasing stability for the +2 oxidation states of the carbon family elements (Carbon, Germanium, Tin, and Lead), we can follow these steps:

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Identify the Elements**: The elements in the carbon family are Carbon (C), Germanium (Ge), Tin (Sn), and Lead (Pb). We need to analyze their +2 oxidation states.

2. **Understand the Trend in Stability**: As we move down the group in the periodic table, the stability of the +2 oxidation state generally increases. This is due to the inert pair effect, which affects the ability of the s-electrons to participate in bonding.

3. **Analyze Each Element's Stability**:
- **Carbon (+2)**: Carbon has a +2 oxidation state, but it is less stable because it can also exhibit a +4 oxidation state, which is more stable due to its ability to ionize its p-electrons.
- **Germanium (+2)**: Germanium's +2 oxidation state is more stable than carbon's, but less stable than tin and lead.
- **Tin (+2)**: Tin has a +2 oxidation state that is more stable than both carbon and germanium due to the inert pair effect.
- **Lead (+2)**: Lead has the most stable +2 oxidation state among these elements because the s-electrons do not participate in bonding due to the inert pair effect, making lead's +2 state favored.

4. **Establish the Order**: Based on the analysis:
- Carbon (+2) is the least stable.
- Germanium (+2) is more stable than carbon.
- Tin (+2) is more stable than germanium.
- Lead (+2) is the most stable.

5. **Final Order of Increasing Stability**: The correct order of increasing stability for the +2 oxidation states is:
- Carbon (+2) < Germanium (+2) < Tin (+2) < Lead (+2)

### Conclusion:
The correct answer is that the arrangement showing the correct order of increasing stability is:
**Carbon (+2) < Germanium (+2) < Tin (+2) < Lead (+2)**.