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Among the elements having the following outer electronic configurations, which one can show the greatest number of oxidation states?

1. 3d⁵ 4s¹
2. 3d⁵ 4s²
3. 3d² 4s²
4. 3d³ 4s²

Correct answer: 3d⁵ 4s²

Solution

The element with the outer electronic configuration 3d⁵ 4s² can exhibit multiple oxidation states due to the half-filled d subshell, which provides stability and allows for the loss of varying numbers of electrons from both the s and d orbitals.

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