Chapter 18: Problem 4

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?

Short Answer

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Transition elements form alloys due to their similar atomic radii. Mercury exists as a liquid at room temperature due to weak bonding between its atoms. \( \mathrm{VCl}_{5} \) doesn't exist because chlorine can't form more than one covalent bond, but \( \mathrm{VF}_{5} \) exists as fluorine can exhibit both ionic and covalent bonding. Transition elements are characterized by variable oxidation states, good conductivity, formation of colored compounds, and paramagnetism.

Step by step solution

Explaining why transition elements form alloys

Transition elements can form alloys due to their similar atomic radii. Elements with similar atomic sizes can replace each other in their crystal lattice, leading to the formation of a solid solution of two or more metals, which is an alloy.

Discussing the state of mercury at room temperature

Mercury is unique among transition metals as it exists as a liquid at room temperature. This is due to the weak bonding between its atoms. While most metals, including transition metals, have a metallic bonding that results in a closely packed arrangement of atoms or ions, mercury’s electronic configuration results in a less effective overlap of its atomic orbitals and hence weaker bond strength.

Discussing why \( \mathrm{VCl}_{5} \) doesn't exist but \( \mathrm{VF}_{5} \) exists

Vanadium (V) is in group 5 of the periodic table and hence has 5 electrons in its outermost shell. It can therefore form compounds in which it exhibits a maximum state of oxidation of +5. Chlorine, a group 7 element, forms only one covalent bond with an atom of another element. Therefore, vanadium can't form \( \mathrm{VCl}_{5} \) because that would involve vanadium forming 5 covalent bonds with chlorine, which is not possible. Fluorine, on the other hand, is also a group 7 element but it can exhibit both ionic and covalent bonding. Thus, vanadium forms \( \mathrm{VF}_{5} \), in which it exhibits a +5 oxidation state.

Characteristic properties of transition elements

Transition elements have the following characteristic properties: They often exhibit variable oxidation states, they are usually good conductors of heat and electricity, they often form colored compounds, and they can have paramagnetic behavior due to the presence of unpaired electrons.

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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?

Short Answer

Step by step solution

Explaining why transition elements form alloys

Discussing the state of mercury at room temperature

Discussing why \( \mathrm{VCl}_{5} \) doesn't exist but \( \mathrm{VF}_{5} \) exists

Characteristic properties of transition elements

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