Which one of the elements with the following outer orbital configurations may exhibit the largest number of oxidation states?

Options

A. `3d^5 4s^1`
B. `3d^5 4s^2`
C. `3d^2 4s^2`
D. `3d^34s^2`

Answer

B

Explanation

Greater the number of valence electrons, more will be the number of oxidation states exhibited by the element.
Option (a) `3d^5 4s^1` can show a maximum of 6 oxidation states.
Option (b) `3d^5 4s^2` can show a maximum of 7 oxidation states.
Option (c) `3d^5 4s^2` can show a maximum of 4 oxidation states.
Option (d) `3d^3 4s^2` can show a maximum of 5 oxidation states.