Give reason: (i) C and Si are always tetravalent but Ge, Sn, Pb show

1.	Give reason: (i) C and Si are always tetravalent but Ge, Sn, Pb show divalency. (ii) Tin (II) is a reducing agent whereas lead (II) is not.
Answer» (i) On the basis of electronic configuration 2s² 2p²C and Si occur in tetravalent form but Ge, Sn, Pb show divalency due to inert pair effect. (ii) Due to inert pair effect, Pb²⁺ is more stable than pb⁴⁺whereas Sn⁴⁺is more stable than Sn²⁺ .So tin acts as a reducing agent.

Give reason: (i) C and Si are always tetravalent but Ge, Sn, Pb show divalency. (ii) Tin (II) is a reducing agent whereas lead (II) is not.

Answer»

(i) On the basis of electronic configuration 2s² 2p²C and Si occur in tetravalent form but Ge, Sn, Pb show divalency due to inert pair effect.

(ii) Due to inert pair effect, Pb²⁺ is more stable than pb⁴⁺whereas Sn⁴⁺is more stable than Sn²⁺ .So tin acts as a reducing agent.