Question

Identify the correct statements about group 14 elements: 
I. Sn in +2 state is a reducing agent and Pb in +4 state is a strong oxidising agent. 
II. Thermodynamically most stable allotrope of carbon is diamond. 
III. SiCl\(_4\) on hydrolysis gives silicic acid. 
IV. Sn has a higher melting point than Pb.

• A. I, III only
• B. II, III only
• C. I, IV only
• D. II, IV only

Hint:

Reviewing thermodynamic stability and common chemical reactions helps in understanding and predicting the behavior of elements, especially within the same group of the periodic table.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Evaluating each statement.

Statement I: Correct. \( \text{Sn}^{2+} \) acts as a reducing agent, whereas \( \text{Pb}^{4+} \) is a strong oxidizing agent due to the inert pair effect.

Statement II: Incorrect. The thermodynamically most stable allotrope of carbon is graphite, not diamond.

Statement III: Correct. \( \text{SiCl}_4 \) reacts with water to form silicic acid \( \text{H}_4\text{SiO}_4 \).

Statement IV: Incorrect. Lead (Pb) has a higher melting point than tin (Sn), making this statement false.

Thus, the correct answer is I, III only.