Which one of the following elements show different oxidation states?

Options

A. Sodium
B. Fluorine
C. Chlorine
D. Potassium

Answer

To determine which element among the given options shows different oxidation states, we will analyze each element's possible oxidation states.

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Identify the Elements**: The elements given in the question are sodium (Na), chlorine (Cl), potassium (K), and fluorine (F).

2. **Analyze Sodium (Na)**:
- Sodium is an alkali metal.
- It typically exhibits only one oxidation state: **+1**.
- **Conclusion**: Sodium does not show different oxidation states.

3. **Analyze Chlorine (Cl)**:
- Chlorine is a halogen.
- It can exhibit multiple oxidation states:
- **-1** (as in NaCl)
- **+1** (as in ClO)
- **+3** (as in ClO2)
- **+5** (as in ClO3)
- **+7** (as in ClO4)
- **Conclusion**: Chlorine shows different oxidation states.

4. **Analyze Potassium (K)**:
- Potassium is also an alkali metal.
- It typically exhibits only one oxidation state: **+1**.
- **Conclusion**: Potassium does not show different oxidation states.

5. **Analyze Fluorine (F)**:
- Fluorine is the most electronegative element.
- It typically exhibits only one oxidation state: **-1**.
- **Conclusion**: Fluorine does not show different oxidation states.

6. **Final Conclusion**:
- Among the elements analyzed, only **chlorine (Cl)** shows different oxidation states. Therefore, the correct answer is **chlorine**.

### Summary:
The element that shows different oxidation states among the options is **chlorine (Cl)**.