Question

The highest possible oxidation states of uranium and plutonium, respectively are ______.

Options

• 4 and 6

• 6 and 4

• 7 and 6

• 6 and 7

Answer 1

The highest possible oxidation states of uranium and plutonium, respectively are 6 and 7.

Explanation:

Uranium (U) shows oxidation states from +3 to +6, but the +6 state is the highest and most stable, especially in compounds like \[\ce{UO^{2+}_2}\] (uranyl ion). Plutonium (Pu) can exhibit oxidation states from +3 to +7, with +7 being the highest in some strongly oxidising environments.