Question

The element which forms oxides in all oxidation states $+1$ to $+5$ is

• A. N
• B. P
• C. As
• D. Sb

Answer 1

Answer: (A)

The common oxidation state of elements of $V$ A group are $+3$ and $+5$. In addition nitrogen also exist in $+1,+2$, and $+4$ oxidation states in its oxide, viz $N _{2} O , NO , N _{2} O _{3}, NO _{2}$ and $N _{2} O _{5}$.
However due to inert pair effect, bismuth does not exist in $+5$ oxidation state. Thus nitrogen exist in all oxidation state $+1$ to $+5$.