JEE Main · 2026 · 04 Apr 2026 · Shift 1 · p-Block Elements

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Given below are two statements:

Statement I: The covalency of oxygen is generally two but it can exceed upto four. The oxidation state of oxygen in

SO X_{2}

is -2 and in

OF X_{2}

it is +2.

Statement II: The anomalous behaviour of oxygen when compared to the other elements of group 16 is due to its small size and high electronegativity.

In the light of the above statements, choose the correct answer from the options given below:

(A)Both Statement I and Statement II are true✓ Correct
(B)Both Statement I and Statement II are false
(C)Statement I is true but Statement II is false
(D)Statement I is false but Statement II is true

Answer: (A)

Solution

Oxygen usually shows a covalency of two but can raise it up to four through coordinate bonding, and its oxidation state is

- 2

SO X_{2}

(oxygen more electronegative than sulphur) and

+ 2

OF X_{2}

(fluorine more electronegative than oxygen), so Statement I is correct. The small size, high electronegativity and absence of

d

-orbitals of oxygen make its behaviour differ sharply from the heavier group-16 elements, so Statement II is correct and does explain the anomaly. Both statements are true.

JEE Main · 2026 · 04 Apr 2026 · Shift 1 · Single correct option

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JEE Main · 2026 · 04 Apr 2026 · Shift 1 · p-Block Elements

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