Question

Statement -1 : $\,Pb{O_2}\,$​ is an oxidising agent and reduced to $\,PbO\,$ .
Statement - 2 : Stability of $\,Pb(II)\,$ $\, > \,Pb(IV)\,$ on account of inert pair effect.
A.Statement – I is True, statement- 2 is True; Statement 2 is a correct explanation of statement – I.
B.Statement – I is True, statement- 2 is True; Statement 2 is NOT a correct explanation of statement – I.
C.Statement – I is True, statement- 2 is False
D.Statement – I is False, statement- 2 is True

Answer 1

The atomic number of lead $\,(Pb)\,$is $\,82\,$ . The electrons in $\,6{s^2}\,$ appears to participate in the chemical bonding formation. This is why lead occurs in two states of oxidation: $\, + 2\,$ and $\, + 4\,$.

Complete step by step answer:
Before analysing the question, let's first learn about inert pair effects.
Inert pair effect is the reluctance of $\,s\,$ orbitals electrons to take part in chemical reaction.
As we know lead has two oxidation states. Among them, the $\, + 4\,$ state is very unstable because the $\,6s\,$ and $\,6p\,$ electrons have a huge energy difference. So promoting the $\,6s\,$ electrons to the $\,6p\,$ subshell for the formation of $\, + 4\,$ oxidation state by lead removing it's $\,4\,$ electrons is not an easy process because it requires a lot of energy. This is the effect of inert electron pairs.
In lead dioxide, lead has an oxidation state of $\, + 4\,$ as a result lead donates two oxygen atoms to form lead monoxide in which lead has an oxidation state of $\, + 2\,$ to achieve stability. That is why lead dioxide is reduced and other compounds are oxidised and we recognise that oxygen elimination is an example of reduction. That's why it acts as a good oxidising agent.
From the above explanation, it is clear that statement $\,1\,$ is True, and statement $\,2\,$ is a correct explanation of statement $\,2\,$ .

So, the correct answer is Option A.

Note:
An oxidising agent is a substance that undergoes reduction and a reducing agent is a substance that actually undergoes oxidation. Reduction is the process of gaining electrons whereas oxidation is the process of losing electrons