Question

Name the oxidation states exhibited by Ge, Sn and Pb.

Answer 1

Oxidation state indicates the degree of oxidation for an atom in a compound. Oxidation state is also called oxidation number which means the electrons which an atom gains or losses to form a chemical bond. Oxidation states are represented by integers, which can be negative, positive or zero.

Complete answer:
Germanium is a chemical element of group 14 with the symbol Ge. Germanium has atomic number 32. It is a lustrous, hard-brittle, greyish-white metalloid. Pure germanium is a semiconductor with an appearance similar to elemental silicon. Oxidation state of germanium is $+ 2{\text{ and }} + 4$.
But germanium is more stable in plus four than in plus two because of decrease in the inert pair effect and increase in shielding effect. Germanium dioxide and germanium tetrachloride are important compounds of germanium.
Tin is a chemical element with the symbol Sn. Tin has an atomic number of 50. Tin that is Sn is derived from Latin word stannum. Tin is a silvery metal that has a faint yellow hue. Tin is a soft metal, like indium it can be cut by knife without applying much force.
Tin has two oxidation states, $+ 4{\text{ and }} + 2$
Lead is a chemical element with the symbol Pb. Lead has atomic number 82. Lead that is Pb is derived from Latin word plumbum. Lead is a soft and malleable metal. Lead also relatively has a low melting point. Lead when freshly cut is silvery with a hint of blue. Lead has the highest atomic number of any stable element known. Lead has three known isotopes. Oxidation state of lead is$+ 2{\text{ and }} + 4$. But plus two is more stable because of high inert pair effect and low shielding effect.

Note:
Germanium is used as an alloying agent.
Tin is used to coat other metals to prevent corrosion.
Lead is used in batteries.