Which ion is known to have multiple common oxidation states?

Lead is known to have multiple common oxidation states, primarily +2 and +4. In chemistry, oxidation states refer to the degree of oxidation of an atom in a compound, and for lead, these oxidation states are commonly encountered in various compounds. For example, lead(II) compounds, such as lead(II) oxide (PbO), and lead(IV) compounds, like lead(IV) oxide (PbO2), demonstrate how lead can gain or lose different amounts of electrons depending on its chemical environment.

In contrast, silver typically exhibits a +1 oxidation state in its compounds, such as silver nitrate (AgNO3), making it less versatile in terms of oxidation states. Ammonium, which is a positively charged ion (NH4+), does not display different oxidation states as it is always in a +1 state. Zinc generally has a +2 oxidation state in its compounds and does not exhibit multiple oxidation states like lead.

The ability of lead to show a range of oxidation states is significant in various chemical reactions and the formation of diverse compounds, thus highlighting its versatile behavior in inorganic chemistry.