JEE Main · 2022 · 28 Jun 2022 · Shift 1 · p-Block Elements

Statement I is FALSE: As the oxidation state of an element increases, its electronegativity effectively increases, making the oxide more acidic. Therefore, ${\mathrm{E}}_2{\mathrm{O}}_5$ (pentavalent, +5 oxidation state) is more acidic than ${\mathrm{E}}_2{\mathrm{O}}_3$ (trivalent, +3 oxidation state) for the same element. For example, ${\mathrm{N}}_2{\mathrm{O}}_5$ is more acidic than ${\mathrm{N}}_2{\mathrm{O}}_3$.

Statement II is TRUE: Down group 15 (N → P → As → Sb → Bi), the non-metallic character decreases and metallic character increases. Consequently, the acidic character of ${\mathrm{E}}_2{\mathrm{O}}_3$ decreases down the group (e.g., ${\mathrm{N}}_2{\mathrm{O}}_3$ is more acidic than ${\mathrm{Bi}}_2{\mathrm{O}}_3$).