Question

Consider the following four elements, which are arranged according to long form of periodic table.

Here W, Y and Z are left, up and right elements with respect to the element 'X' and 'X' belongs to 16th group and 3rd period. Then according to given information the incorrect statement regarding given elements is:

• A. Maximum electronegativity : Y
• B. Maximum catenation property: X
• C. Maximum electron affinity : Z
• D. Y exhibits variable covalency

Answer 1

Answer: (D)

Y exhibits variable covalency

Answer 2

The incorrect statement is (d).

1. Identify elements W, X, Y, Z based on X being Sulfur (Group 16, Period 3).
   • X = S
   • Y = O (above S)
   • W = P (left of S)
   • Z = Cl (right of S)
2. Evaluate statement (a): Electronegativity. O (Y) is the most electronegative among O, P, S, Cl. Statement is correct.
3. Evaluate statement (b): Catenation. Sulfur (X) exhibits extensive catenation compared to P, O, Cl. Statement is correct.
4. Evaluate statement (c): Electron affinity. Chlorine (Z) has the highest electron affinity among all elements. Statement is correct.
5. Evaluate statement (d): Variable covalency of Y (Oxygen). Oxygen lacks d-orbitals and cannot expand its octet. Its covalency is primarily 2 (or 3 in oxonium ions), not "variable" in the sense that elements with d-orbitals (like Sulfur) are. Statement is incorrect.