Question
Question: Why are Cu, Ag and Ag included under transition elements even though they contain completely filled ...
Why are Cu, Ag and Ag included under transition elements even though they contain completely filled d−orbitals in their ground state?
Solution
Transition elements are elements with partly filled d orbitals (sometimes known as transition metals). Transition elements are defined by IUPAC as elements with a partly filled d subshell or elements that have the ability to produce stable cations with an incompletely filled d orbital.
Complete answer:
Any element that corresponds to the d-block of the current periodic table (which includes groups 3-12) is considered a transition element in general. Even the lanthanides and actinides, which make up the f-block, are considered transition metals. The f-block elements are commonly referred to as inner transition elements or inner transition metals because their f-orbitals are incompletely filled.
The d-orbitals of these metals are partially filled in their typical oxidation states. Cu2+ , for example, has a 3d10 configuration, while Au3+ has a 5d8 configuration.
Cu may be found in two oxidation states (+1 and +2). An electron is removed from the S-orbital in the +1 oxidation state. However, when one electron is taken from the d-orbital in the +2 oxidation state, the orbital becomes incomplete ( 3d9 ). As a result, it's a transitional element. The d-orbitals of these metals are partially filled in their typical oxidation states. Cu2+ , for example, has a 3d10 configuration, while Au3+ has a 5d8 configuration. Cu may be found in two oxidation states (+1 and +2). An electron is removed from the S-orbital in the +1 oxidation state.
However, when one electron is removed from the d-orbital in the +2 oxidation state, the d-orbital becomes incomplete ( 3d9 ). As a result, it's a transitional element.
Note:
When compared to other elements, transition metals are hard and have comparatively high densities.
Due to the presence of delocalized d electrons in metallic bonding, these elements have high boiling and melting temperatures.
The transition elements are also strong conductors of electricity due to the metallic bonding of the delocalized d electrons.