Question -
Answer -
The elements of group 16 arecollectively called chalcogens.
(i)┬аElementsof group 16 have six valence electrons each. The general electronicconfiguration of these elements is┬аns2┬аnp4,where┬аn┬аvaries from 2 to 6.
(ii)┬аOxidation state:
As┬аthese elements have sixvalence electrons (ns2┬аnp4), theyshould display an oxidation state of тИТ2. However, only oxygen predominantlyshows the oxidation state of тИТ2 owing to its high electronegativity. It alsoexhibits the oxidation state of тИТ1 (H2O2), zero (O2),and +2 (OF2). However, the stability of the тИТ2 oxidation statedecreases on moving down a group due to a decrease in the electronegativity ofthe elements. The heavier elements of the group show an oxidation state of +2,+4, and +6 due to the availability of┬аd-orbitals.
(iii)┬аFormation ofhydrides:
These elements form hydrides offormula┬аH2E, where E = O, S, Se, Te, PO.┬аOxygen andsulphur also form hydrides of type H2E2. These hydridesare quite volatile in nature.