Select the member of group 14 that best fits each description: \((\mathbf{a})\) has the greatest tendency to form multiple bonds with itself, (b) forms polymeric structures with oxygen, (c) is a metal with +2 and +4 oxidation states.

Short Answer

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(a) Carbon (C) has the greatest tendency to form multiple bonds with itself due to its small atomic size and high electronegativity. (b) Silicon (Si) forms polymeric structures with oxygen, such as silicon dioxide (SiO₂). (c) Lead (Pb) is a metal with +2 and +4 oxidation states, commonly exhibiting both states.

Step by step solution

01

Understanding the properties of Group 14 elements

Group 14 elements usually have an oxidation state of +4 due to their four valence electrons. However, they can also form +2 oxidation states. Generally, as we move from carbon to lead in Group 14, the metallic character of the elements increases, and the covalent bonding nature decreases. Now, we can identify which element best fits each description.
02

Identifying the element with the greatest tendency to form multiple bonds with itself

Among the group 14 elements, carbon (C) has the smallest atomic size and the highest electronegativity. Due to its small size, it can form strong covalent bonds with other carbon atoms by sharing its electrons. This leads to multiple bonds like double and triple bonds. Therefore, carbon best fits the description for (a).
03

Identifying the element that forms polymeric structures with oxygen

Silicon (Si) readily forms strong covalent bonds with oxygen to create polymeric structures. One of the most common structures is silicon dioxide (SiO₂), which forms a network of Si-O covalent bonds. Considering silicon's ability to form polymeric structures with oxygen, it best fits the description for (b).
04

Identifying the metallic element with +2 and +4 oxidation states

Tin (Sn) and lead (Pb) are the most metallic elements in Group 14, and both can form +2 and +4 oxidation states. However, lead is widely known to be a metal that more commonly exhibits a +2 oxidation state in addition to its +4 oxidation state. Therefore, lead is the element that best fits the description for (c).

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