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Chemistry Question 59 – JEE-MAIN 2026

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Given below are two statements: **Statement I:** The covalency of oxygen is generally two but it can exceed upto four. The oxidation state of oxygen in SO2 is -2 and in OF2 it is +2. **Statement II:** The anomalous behaviour of oxygen when compared to the other elements of group 16 is due to its small size and high electronegativity. In the light of the above statements, choose the *correct* answer from the options given below

Analyze the electronic configuration and bonding capacity of oxygen to determine its maximum covalency. Then, evaluate the properties of oxygen that make it different from other elements in its group.

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Ninja Strategy•Fact-Check the Easiest Statement

Recognize that Statement II is a fundamental concept from periodic properties and is true, which immediately eliminates half the options.

Step 1: Analysis of Statement I✦ Active

Statement I makes two claims. First, that oxygen's covalency can reach four. Oxygen's electron configuration is [He]2s22p4. It is in the second period and lacks vacant d-orbitals, so it cannot expand its octet. Its maximum covalency is generally considered 2, though it can be 3 (e.g., in H3O+), but it cannot be 4. This part is false.

The second claim is about oxidation states. In SO2, oxygen is more electronegative than sulfur, so its oxidation state is -2. In OF2, fluorine is more electronegative than oxygen, so oxygen's oxidation state is +2. This part is true. However, since the first part of the statement is false, the entire Statement I is considered false.

Step 2: Analysis of Statement II○ Expand

Statement II states that the anomalous behavior of oxygen compared to other group 16 elements is due to its small size and high electronegativity. This is a standard and correct explanation from the study of periodic trends. The first element of a p-block group always shows anomalous properties due to its small size, high electronegativity, high ionization enthalpy, and absence of d-orbitals. Therefore, Statement II is true.

Step 3: Conclusion○ Expand

Since Statement I is false and Statement II is true, the correct option is the one that reflects this conclusion.

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