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Chapter 18: Problem 3

Account for the statement: Zinc, cadmium and mercury are not strictly transition elements.

Short Answer

Expert verified
Zinc, cadmium, and mercury typically have completely filled d-orbitals, differing from the conventional definition of transition elements which states that they should have partially filled d-orbitals. Because of this, they do not exhibit multiple oxidation states, a feature common to transition metals. Therefore, they are not considered as strict transition elements.

Step by step solution

01

Definition of Transition Elements

Transition elements are defined as elements that have partially filled d orbitals. They typically exhibit multiple oxidation states and are often characterized by their capacity for forming complex ions with ligands.
02

Zinc, Cadmium, and Mercury Electronic Configurations

Looking at the electronic configurations of Zinc (Zn - [Ar] 3d10 4s2), Cadmium (Cd - [Kr] 4d10 5s2), and Mercury (Hg - [Xe] 4f14 5d10 6s2), it is observed that all of them have completely filled d-orbitals. This is contrary to the general definition of transition elements.
03

Inference

Due to their complete d-orbitals, zinc, cadmium, and mercury do not show variety in the oxidation states, a crucial attribute of transition elements. Thus, they are not often considered as strict transition metals, even though they are part of the d-block.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

Write the electronic configurations for the following. (a) \(\mathrm{Fe}^{3+}\) (b) \(\mathrm{Co}^{+}\) (c) \(\mathrm{Mn}^{4+}\) (d) \(\mathrm{Ni}^{2+}\)

Explain the following properties of transition elements: (a) Catalytic properties (b) Magnetic properties

What are the characteristic properties of transition elements?

Give reasons for the following (a) \(\mathrm{Mn}^{2+}\) shows the maximum magnetic character among the divalent ions of \(3 d\) -transition series. (b) \(\mathrm{Cu}^{+}\) is diamagnetic but \(\mathrm{Cu}^{2+}\) is paramagnetic. (c) Transition metals have high electrode potential but they are not good reducing agents. (d) Alkali metals are more reactive than transition metals

Explain the following: (a) Transition elements form alloys. (b) Transition metals are usually hard solids but mercury exists as liquid at room temperature. (c) \(\mathrm{VCl}_{5}\) doesn't exist but \(\mathrm{VF}_{5}\) exists. (d) What are the characteristic properties of transition elements?
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