As we move down Group 14 from Carbon to Lead, the +2 oxidation state becomes increasingly more stabl — p Block Elements Chemistry Question

💡 Solution & Explanation

The inert pair effect is the reluctance of the outermost $ns^2$ electrons to participate in bonding. This occurs due to poor shielding by inner d and f electrons, which makes the lower oxidation state (+2 for Group 14) more stable for heavier elements like Pb.