NEETChemistryd and f Block Elements
Given below are two statements: one is labelled as Assertion (A) and the other is labelled as Reason (R). Assertion (A): GeO ₂ is distinctly acidic whereas SnO ₂ and PbO ₂ are amphoteric. Reason (R): Down the group in the p-block, the acidic nature of oxides increases due to a decrease in metallic character. In the light of the above statements, choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below:
Options
- ABoth Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are true and Reason (R) is the correct explanation of Assertion (A).
- BBoth Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are true but Reason (R) is not the correct explanation of Assertion (A).
- CAssertion (A) is true but Reason (R) is false.
- DAssertion (A) is false but Reason (R) is true.
Correct answer
C. Assertion (A) is true but Reason (R) is false.
Step-by-step solution
Assertion (A) is true: In Group 14, CO ₂ , SiO ₂ , and GeO ₂ are acidic, whereas SnO ₂ and PbO ₂ are amphoteric. Reason (R) is false: Down the group in the p-block, atomic size increases and ionization enthalpy decreases, leading to an increase in metallic character. As metallic character increases, the basic nature of oxides increases (or acidic nature decreases). Therefore, Assertion (A) is true but Reason (R) is false. Answer: Assertion (A) is true but Reason (R) is false.