Question

Which from the following elements has the lowest tendency to form its oxide?

• A. Al
• B. Fe
• C. Cr
• D. Hg

Hint:

When considering oxide formation, the reactivity of the metal is a crucial factor. Less reactive metals, such as mercury, tend to form oxides with less frequency.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Step 1: Understanding the question.
The question asks which of the listed elements has the lowest tendency to form its oxide. Oxide formation generally depends on the reactivity of the metal, and this reactivity decreases as we move to the right in the periodic table or as we consider elements that have more stable oxidation states.
Step 2: Analyzing the options.
(A) Al: Aluminum is highly reactive and readily forms an oxide layer. It has a strong tendency to form its oxide.
(B) Fe: Iron also forms an oxide, although less readily than aluminum. It is more reactive than mercury but less than aluminum.
(C) Cr: Chromium, being a transition metal, forms a stable oxide, and it also has a tendency to form oxides.
(D) Hg: Mercury has the lowest reactivity of the listed elements and forms oxides less readily. It is a relatively stable metal in its elemental form and does not oxidize as easily as the others.
Step 3: Conclusion.
The correct answer is (D) Hg, as mercury has the lowest tendency to form an oxide compared to the other elements.