Which of the following pairs of atoms shows inert pair effect?
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Which of the following pairs of atoms shows inert pair effect?
Ge and As
Sn and Ge
Sn and Pb
As and Sn
Pb and Ge
Some of the heavier elements/atoms, which are having three or four electrons in the outermost shell are expected to form di, tri or tetravalent ions, but sometimes they do not lose electrons and hence, form cations with lower positive charge. Such electrons which do not participate in ion formation are called inert parts. This effect is known as inert pair effect. Probably, this effect takes place when n = 4 or > 4 only. Sn (Z = 50) = [Kr] 4d10, 5s2, 5p2 Sn2+ = [Kr] 5d10, 5s2, 5p0 Pb (Z = 82) = [Xe] 5d10, 6s2, 6p2 In Sn2+, 5s2 is an inert pair which does not take part in ion formation. Pb2+ = [Kr] 5d10, 6s2, 6p0 In Pb2+, 6s2 is an inert pair which does not take part in ion formation.