Among the following the correct statements are I. Germanium exists only in traces II. PbF ₄ molecule is tetrahedral in shape III. GeX ₂ is more stable than GeX ₄

Step-by-step solution

Statement I is correct as Ge and Sn exist on earth's crust in trace amounts ( 1-2 ppm ) . Statement II is correct as Pb belongs to group 14 and thus has four valence electrons out of which all four are used to make the four Pb - F bonds. The resultant geometry is tetrahedral. Statement III is incorrect as the stability of the +2 oxidation state increases down the group due to inert pair effect and is predominant for heavier elements. Ge prefers +4 state over +2 so Ge ₄ is more stable than Ge X ₂ .