Question: 60. Among Group 16 elements, which one does NOT show -2 oxidation state?
(1) O
(2) Se
(3) Te
(4) Po
Answer: Option (4)
Explanation:
Group 16 elements are oxygen, sulfur, selenium, tellurium and polonium.
Oxygen commonly shows an oxidation state of -2 in most of its compounds such as metal oxides.
Selenium and tellurium also exhibit the -2 oxidation state in their metal chalcogenides like selenides and tellurides.
Polonium is a radioactive and metallic element. Due to its metallic character and low electronegativity, it does not show the -2 oxidation state.
Polonium mainly shows positive oxidation states such as +2 and +4.
Therefore, the Group 16 element that does not show the -2 oxidation state is polonium,
and the correct answer is Option (4).