Which of the following elements is known for having multiple oxidation states?

Manganese is particularly noteworthy for having multiple oxidation states due to its electronic configuration and the ability of its d-orbitals to accommodate a variety of electron arrangements. The element has the electron configuration [Ar] 3d^5 4s^2, which allows it to lose different numbers of electrons from both the 4s and 3d subshells during chemical reactions. This results in oxidation states that can range widely—from +2 to +7.

This versatility enables manganese to participate in a range of chemical processes and form various compounds with different properties. For instance, manganese in the +7 oxidation state is found in potassium permanganate (KMnO4), while in the +2 state, it is present in manganese sulfate (MnSO4).

While the other elements mentioned can also exhibit some oxidation states, their behavior is not as diverse as that of manganese. Zinc, for example, primarily exhibits a +2 oxidation state and does not easily form other oxidation states, as its d-orbitals are fully filled. Scandium typically shows a stable +3 oxidation state and does not vary widely. Copper can show +1 and +2 oxidation states, but it does not reach the wide range that manganese