Question:

Element not showing variable oxidation state is:

Updated On: Nov 3, 2025
  • Chlorine
  • Fluorine
  • Bromine
  • Iodine
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The Correct Option is B

Approach Solution - 1

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.

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Approach Solution -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

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Concepts Used:

Oxidation and Reduction

What is Oxidation? 

Oxidation is a chemical process which can be explained by following four point of views 

In terms of oxygen transfer 

In terms of electron transfer 

In terms of hydrogen transfer 

In terms of oxidation number 

Oxidation in Terms of Oxygen Transfer – Oxidation is gain of oxygen.

What is Reduction? 

Reduction is a chemical process which can be explained by following four point of views 

In terms of oxygen transfer 

In terms of electron transfer 

In terms of hydrogen transfer 

In terms of oxidation number 

Reduction in Terms of Oxygen Transfer – Reduction is loss of oxygen.

What is Redox Reaction? 

A chemical reaction which involves transfer of electrons or change in oxidation number of atoms is called redox reaction.