Question R13 Q16 - 2023 MIT Science Bowl High School Invitational

Which of the following best explains why many lead (IV) compounds spontaneously decompose at room temperature?

W) Group 14 elements tend to only form compounds in +2 state.

X) Lead is a heavy metal, which tend to not form compounds of +4 state due to the large activation energy.

Y) The 6s electrons of lead experience great attraction to the nucleus and thus tend to not participate in bonding.

Z) The lead atom is too large and thus incapable of holding a stable tetrahedral structure.

Science Bowl Question