FAQs on Transition Elements

Basic Questions

• What are transition elements?
  Transition elements are elements in the d-block of the periodic table whose atoms have an incomplete d-subshell or can form cations with an incomplete d-subshell.
• Which groups in the periodic table are considered transition elements?
  Groups 3 to 12 are considered transition elements.
• Why are transition elements called "transition"?
  They are called transition elements because they form a bridge (transition) between the s-block and p-block elements in the periodic table.
• What is the general electronic configuration of transition elements?
  The general configuration is (n-1)d^1-10ns^0-2.
• Name the first element in the d-block.
  The first element in the d-block is Scandium (Sc).

Properties of Transition Elements

• Why do transition elements show variable oxidation states?
  Transition elements show variable oxidation states due to the participation of both ns and (n-1)d electrons in bonding.
• Which is the most common oxidation state of transition elements?
  The most common oxidation state is +2.
• Why do transition metals form colored compounds?
  Transition metals form colored compounds due to d-d electron transitions when light is absorbed.
• Why are transition metals good conductors of electricity?
  They have free-moving electrons in their d-orbitals and s-orbitals, which help in electrical conductivity.
• Why do transition metals exhibit magnetic properties?
  They exhibit magnetic properties due to the presence of unpaired electrons in their d-orbitals.

Applications and Uses

• Name one transition element used as a catalyst and explain its use.
  Platinum (Pt) is used as a catalyst in catalytic converters to reduce car emissions.
• Which transition metal is used in stainless steel?
  Chromium (Cr) is used in stainless steel to provide corrosion resistance.
• What is the role of iron (Fe) in biological systems?
  Iron is a key component of hemoglobin, which helps in oxygen transport in the blood.
• Name a transition element used in making coins.
  Nickel (Ni) is commonly used in coins.
• Why is tungsten (W) used in lightbulb filaments?
  Tungsten is used due to its high melting point and ability to withstand high temperatures.

Chemical Reactions and Complexes

• What are complex compounds?
  Complex compounds are molecules formed by the coordination of transition metal ions with ligands.
• Why do transition metals form complexes easily?
  Transition metals form complexes easily because of their small, highly charged ions and the availability of empty d-orbitals.
• What is a ligand?
  A ligand is an ion or molecule that donates a pair of electrons to a metal ion to form a coordination bond.
• Give an example of a complex compound of a transition element.
  An example is [Fe(CN)₆]^3-, a ferricyanide ion.
• What is the role of transition metals in the Haber process?
  Iron (Fe) is used as a catalyst in the Haber process for ammonia production.

Advanced Questions

• Why do transition elements form alloys?
  Transition elements form alloys because their atomic sizes are similar, allowing their atoms to replace each other in the metallic lattice.
• Why do transition metals have high melting and boiling points?
  They have strong metallic bonds due to the delocalization of d-electrons.
• Which transition metal has the highest oxidation state?
  Manganese (Mn) has the highest oxidation state of +7 in KMnO₄.
• Why do Zn, Cd, and Hg not show typical transition element properties?
  They have completely filled d-orbitals (d¹⁰) and do not exhibit variable oxidation states or colored compounds.
• What is the coordination number of a transition metal complex?
  The coordination number is the number of ligand atoms directly bonded to the metal ion.

Trivia

• Which transition metal is liquid at room temperature?
  Mercury (Hg) is the only transition metal that is liquid at room temperature.
• What is the color of Cu²⁺ ions in aqueous solution?
  Cu²⁺ ions are blue in aqueous solution.
• Why does KMnO₄ act as a strong oxidizing agent?
  KMnO₄ acts as a strong oxidizing agent due to the high oxidation state (+7) of manganese.
• Which element is known as "fool's gold"?
  Iron pyrite (FeS₂) is called "fool's gold" due to its metallic luster.
• What is the difference between a transition element and a post-transition element?
  Transition elements have partially filled d-orbitals, while post-transition elements have completely filled d-orbitals.