Same chapter3 marksDifficulty: Medium
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3 marksDifficulty: Medium
What is the inert pair effect, and how does it show itself in group 14?
Original Khojo Papers practice question — not from a past board paper.
Answer
The inert pair effect is the reluctance of the two s electrons of the valence shell to take part in bonding in the heavier members of a p-block group, because of poor shielding by the intervening d and f electrons. In group 14 the +4 state is the stable one for carbon and silicon, but the +2 state becomes progressively more stable down the group, so lead(II) compounds are stable and lead(IV) compounds are strong oxidising agents.
No citable source has been recorded for this record. Treat it as practice material, not as fact.
Explanation
The same effect explains the stability of Tl+ in group 13.
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