Among the following outer electronic configurations of atoms, the highest oxidation state is exhibited by 

Options

A. `(n-1)d^(8)ns^(2)`
B. `(n-1)d^(5)ns^(2)`
C. `(n-1)d^(3)ns^(1)`
D. `(n-1)d^(5)ns^(1)`

Answer

To determine which outer electronic configuration exhibits the highest oxidation state, we can analyze the given configurations step by step.

### Step 1: List the given outer electronic configurations
The configurations provided are:
1. \( n-1 d^8 n s^2 \)
2. \( n-1 d^5 n s^2 \)
3. \( n-1 d^3 n s^1 \)
4. \( n-1 d^5 n s^1 \)

### Step 2: Identify the elements corresponding to each configuration
- **Configuration 1**: \( n-1 d^8 n s^2 \) corresponds to Nickel (Ni) in the \( 3d \) block, which can exhibit an oxidation state of +2 or +3.
- **Configuration 2**: \( n-1 d^5 n s^2 \) corresponds to Manganese (Mn) in the \( 3d \) block, which can exhibit oxidation states from +2 up to +7.
- **Configuration 3**: \( n-1 d^3 n s^1 \) corresponds to Vanadium (V) in the \( 3d \) block, which can exhibit oxidation states from +2 to +5.
- **Configuration 4**: \( n-1 d^5 n s^1 \) corresponds to Chromium (Cr) in the \( 3d \) block, which can exhibit oxidation states from +2 to +6.

### Step 3: Determine the highest oxidation state for each element
- **Nickel (Ni)**: Maximum oxidation state = +3
- **Manganese (Mn)**: Maximum oxidation state = +7
- **Vanadium (V)**: Maximum oxidation state = +5
- **Chromium (Cr)**: Maximum oxidation state = +6

### Step 4: Compare the highest oxidation states
From the above analysis:
- Ni: +3
- Mn: +7
- V: +5
- Cr: +6

The highest oxidation state is exhibited by Manganese (Mn) with an oxidation state of +7.

### Conclusion
The outer electronic configuration that exhibits the highest oxidation state is \( n-1 d^5 n s^2 \), corresponding to Manganese (Mn).

### Final Answer
The correct option is: **\( n-1 d^5 n s^2 \)** (Manganese, +7 oxidation state).

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