Statement I: "In group 13, the stability of +1 oxidation state increases down the group."
Analysis: Group 13 Elements: Boron (B) Aluminum (Al) Gallium (Ga) Indium (In) Thallium (Tl) Common Oxidation States: The typical oxidation state for group 13 elements is +3.
However, due to the inert pair effect, the +1 oxidation state becomes more stable as we move down the group.
Inert Pair Effect: The reluctance of the s-electrons (ns²) in the valence shell to participate in bonding.
This effect becomes more significant in heavier elements due to poor shielding by inner d and f orbitals.
Stability Trend: Boron (B): Exhibits only the +3 oxidation state.
Aluminum (Al): Predominantly +3 oxidation state.
Gallium (Ga): +3 is more stable, but +1 oxidation state starts appearing.
Indium (In): +1 oxidation state becomes significant.
Thallium (Tl): The +1 oxidation state is more stable than the +3 oxidation state.
Conclusion for Statement I: Correct.
The stability of the +1 oxidation state increases as we move down group 13 due to the inert pair effect.
Statement II: "The atomic size of gallium is greater than that of aluminium."
Analysis: Expected Trend: Generally, atomic size increases down a group because each successive element has an additional electron shell.
Actual Atomic Radii: Aluminum (Al): Approximately 143 picometers (pm) Gallium (Ga): Approximately 135 pm Anomalous Behavior: **Gallium's atomic radius is *slightly smaller* than that of aluminum.
** This anomaly is due to the presence of 10 d-electrons in gallium's electron configuration (Ga: [Ar] 3d¹⁰ 4s² 4p¹).
Poor Shielding Effect: 3d electrons do not shield the nuclear charge effectively.
As a result, the effective nuclear charge increases, pulling the outer electrons closer to the nucleus.
This causes gallium to have a smaller atomic radius compared to aluminum.
Conclusion for Statement II: Incorrect.
The atomic size of gallium is less than that of aluminum due to poor shielding by d-electrons.
Final Answer: Statement I is correct, as the stability of the +1 oxidation state increases down group 13.
Statement II is incorrect, because gallium has a smaller atomic radius than aluminum.
Answer: Option B