Read the following passage and answer the next five questions based on it:

In any transition series, as we move from left to right the \(d-\)orbitals are progressively filled and their properties vary accordingly

The above are the two series of f-block elements in which the chemical properties won't change much. The 5f-series elements are radioactive in nature and mostly are artificially synthesized in laboratories and thus much is not known about their chemical properties.

Which metal has the highest oxidation state in the first row transition series?

Mn

The correct answer is option 3. Mn.

The highest oxidation state in the first-row transition series is generally exhibited by manganese (Mn). Let us look at each of the given options:

1. Chromium (Cr): Chromium commonly exhibits oxidation states up to \(+6\) but rarely \(+7\). The most common oxidation states of chromium are \(+2\), \(+3\), and \(+6\).

2. Iron (Fe): Iron typically shows oxidation states ranging from \(-2\) to \(+6\). The most common oxidation states are \(+2\) and \(+3\).

3. Manganese (Mn): Manganese is known for its wide range of oxidation states, from \(-3\) to \(+7\). The highest oxidation state commonly observed for manganese is \(+7\).

4. Vanadium (V): Vanadium can have oxidation states from \(-3\) to \(+5\). Its most common oxidation states are \(+2\), \(+3\), \(+4\), and \(+5\).

Since manganese (Mn) can attain the highest oxidation state (\(+7\)) among the listed transition metals, it has the highest oxidation state in the first-row transition series.

So, the correct answer is: 3. Mn