Question
Question: Transition metals :...
Transition metals :
Exhibit only diamagnetism
Undergo inert pair effect
Do not form alloys
Show variable oxidation states
Show variable oxidation states
Solution
(1) According to the definition of transition metals, they have partially filled (n – 1)d orbitals except copper and zinc thus mostly show paramagnetism.
(2) It is the property of heavier p-block elements.
(3) Transition metals form a large number of alloys. The transition metals are quite similar in size and, therefore, the atoms of one metal can substitute the atoms of other metal in its crystal lattice. Thus, on cooling a mixture solution of two or more transition metals, solid alloys are formed.
(4) Show variable oxidation states as (n – 1)d and ns orbitals have nearly the same energy and, thus ns as well as (n – 1)d orbital electrons can be lost giving variable oxidation state.