Log out Go to App
Go to App

Learning Materials

Features

Discover

Chapter 18: Problem 8

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

Short Answer

Expert verified
Transition elements display catalytic properties because they can adopt multiple oxidation states and can form complexes. Their magnetic properties arise from the unpaired electrons in their d-orbital that are attracted to a magnetic field.

Step by step solution

01

Understanding Transition Elements

Transition elements are those elements which have partially filled d orbitals either in their ground state or in one of their oxidation states. These elements show remarkable similarities and subtle differences in their chemical properties.
02

Explaining Catalytic Properties

Transition elements are good catalysts due to their ability to adopt multiple oxidation states and to form complexes. They provide a surface for the reactants to come together and react. Iron for example, is used as a catalyst in the Haber’s process for the manufacture of Ammonia.
03

Explaining Magnetic Properties

Transition elements and their compounds are often paramagnetic. This is because their atoms or ions have unpaired electrons in the d-orbital. The unpaired electrons are attracted towards a magnetic field causing the material to be attracted to the magnet. Examples include iron, cobalt, and nickel which show a permanent moment due to unpaired electrons in their atom.

Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!

  • Full Textbook Solutions

    Get detailed explanations and key concepts

  • Unlimited Al creation

    Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...

  • Ads-free access

    To over 500 millions flashcards

  • Money-back guarantee

    We refund you if you fail your exam.

Start your free trial

Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with Vaia!

One App. One Place for Learning.

All the tools & learning materials you need for study success - in one app.

Get started for free

Most popular questions from this chapter

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

Describe the trend of atomic and ionic radii of first, second and third transition series.

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

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?

Give reasons for the following: (a) Scandium forms colourless and diamagnetic compounds (b) Transition metals show variable oxidation state (c) Transition metals form complexes (d) Transition metals act as a catalyst
See all solutions

Recommended explanations on Chemistry Textbooks

Chemistry Branches

Read Explanation

Kinetics

Read Explanation

Chemical Analysis

Read Explanation

Inorganic Chemistry

Read Explanation

Making Measurements

Read Explanation

Nuclear Chemistry

Read Explanation
View all explanations

What do you think about this solution?

We value your feedback to improve our textbook solutions.

Study anywhere. Anytime. Across all devices.

Sign-up for free