The non-metal that does not exhibit posittve oxidation state is:

Options

A. Oxygen
B. Fluorine
C. Iodine
D. Chlorine

Answer

To solve the question "The non-metal that does not exhibit a positive oxidation state is:", we can follow these steps:

### Step 1: Understand the Concept of Oxidation States
Oxidation states indicate the degree of oxidation of an atom in a compound. Non-metals can exhibit various oxidation states, including positive and negative values.

### Step 2: Identify Non-Metals
Common non-metals include hydrogen, carbon, nitrogen, oxygen, fluorine, phosphorus, sulfur, and the halogens (like chlorine, bromine, and iodine).

### Step 3: Analyze the Oxidation States of Non-Metals
- **Fluorine (F)**: The most electronegative element, always has an oxidation state of -1 in compounds.
- **Oxygen (O)**: Typically has an oxidation state of -2 but can have positive oxidation states in compounds like OF2 (where it has +2).
- **Other Halogens (Cl, Br, I)**: Can exhibit multiple oxidation states, including positive ones (e.g., +1, +3, +5, +7).

### Step 4: Conclusion
Among the non-metals, fluorine is unique because it does not exhibit any positive oxidation states. It only has a -1 oxidation state in all its compounds.

### Final Answer
The non-metal that does not exhibit a positive oxidation state is **Fluorine (F)**.

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