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JEE Main levelSingle correct optionDifficulty 2 of 3pt208

For a given element, the electronegativity depends on its oxidation state in a compound. Which statement is correct?

  1. AIt increases as the positive oxidation state increases, because the cation is smaller and has a higher effective nuclear charge
  2. BIt decreases as the positive oxidation state increases, because fewer electrons remain
  3. CIt is independent of oxidation state
  4. DIt is highest in the lowest oxidation state

Answer: A

A species in a higher positive oxidation state has lost more electrons, so it is smaller and holds its bonding electrons more strongly. Its electronegativity is therefore higher, which is why a high-oxidation-state oxide of a metal tends to be acidic, for example compared with .
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