What is the correct order of reactivity of group 16 elements?a)O Se S Te Pob)S O Te Po Sec)S O Se Te Pod)O S Se Te PoCorrect answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

Question

What is the correct order of reactivity of group 16 elements?a)O > Se > S > Te > Pob)S > O > Te > Po > Sec)S > O > Se > Te > Pod)O > S > Se > Te > PoCorrect answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

Answer

The correct order of reactivity of Group 16 elements is as follows:

1) Oxygen (O)
2) Sulfur (S)
3) Selenium (Se)
4) Tellurium (Te)
5) Polonium (Po)

This order is based on the ability of the elements to gain electrons and form stable anions. Oxygen is the most reactive element in Group 16 because it has the highest electronegativity and strongly attracts electrons. As you move down the group, the reactivity decreases because the atomic size increases and the attraction for electrons decreases.

Answer

Oxygen is the most reactive group 16 element. Its reactivity is only slightly less than the most reactive elements, halogens. Sulphur is also very reactive particularly at high temperatures which helps in the cleavage of S-S bonds present in S₈ molecules. However, as we move down the group, the reactivity decreases, i.e., O > S > Se > Te > Po.

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