Question

Element not showing variable oxidation state is:

• A. Chlorine
• B. Fluorine
• C. Bromine
• D. Iodine

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

The question asks about the element that does not show a variable oxidation state among the given options: Chlorine, Fluorine, Bromine, and Iodine. 

To solve this, we must understand the oxidation states of halogens. Halogens can exhibit different oxidation states, but Fluorine is an exception. Let's explore why:

1. Fluorine: Fluorine is the most electronegative element in the periodic table. It has an electronegativity of 3.98 on the Pauling scale. Due to its high electronegativity, fluorine can only exhibit an oxidation state of -1. It cannot show positive oxidation states as it is unable to lose electrons. Therefore, fluorine always has a constant oxidation state of -1.
2. Chlorine: Chlorine can have multiple oxidation states, ranging from -1 to +7, because it can gain, lose, or share electrons under different conditions. It appears in negative oxidation states like -1 and positive states like +1, +3, +5, and +7.
3. Bromine: Similar to chlorine, bromine can also exhibit multiple oxidation states such as -1, +1, +3, +5, and +7.
4. Iodine: Iodine also shows variability in its oxidation states like -1, +1, +3, +5, and +7, similar to other halogens except fluorine.

In conclusion, among the given options, Fluorine is the element that does not show variable oxidation states because it always has an oxidation state of -1. Hence, the correct answer is Fluorine.

Answer 2

Fluorine does not show variable oxidation states as it is the most electronegative element and always exhibits an oxidation state of −1.
So, the Correct Option is (B): Fluorine