Transition Metals and Their Properties

Study Notes

Section A: Multiple Choice Questions

Transition Element: Scandium is a transition element.
General Electronic Configuration of d-block elements: (n-1)d^1-10 ns^0-2
Common Oxidation State for d-block elements: +2
Catalytic Properties of d-block elements: Due to variable oxidation states.
Highest Melting Point in d-block: Tungsten
Colored Ions: V³⁺
Color of KMnO₄: Due to d-d transitions.
Lanthanoid Contraction: Responsible for similar radii of Zr and Hf.

Section B: One-Word Answer Questions

Stainless Steel Transition Metal: Chromium
Thermometer Element: Mercury
Hydrated Copper Sulfate Color: Blue
Block for Lanthanoids and Actinoids: f-block
Hemoglobin Element: Iron
Uranium Atomic Number: 92
Haber Process Catalyst: Iron
Alloy Property: Malleability
Cancer Treatment F-Block Element: Plutonium
Coinage Metals Transition Metal: Copper

Section C: Short Answer Questions

Color in Transition Metal Compounds: Due to d-d transitions, where electrons in d-orbitals absorb specific wavelengths of light and emit color.
Transition Metals as Catalysts: Transition metals often act as catalysts because of their ability to change oxidation states and their variable coordination numbers, allowing them to facilitate reactions.
f-block General Electronic Configuration: (n-2)f^1-14 (n-1)d^0-1 ns²
Lanthanoid Contraction: The gradual decrease in atomic and ionic radii of the lanthanide elements as atomic number increases; resulting from poor shielding of 4f orbitals by the inner shell electrons. Consequences of lanthanoid contraction include similar ionic radii for elements like Zr and Hf.
Complex Compounds Formation by d-block Elements: The presence of partially filled d orbitals, combined with their ability to form complexes, accounts for the formation of complex compounds.

Section D: Long Answer Questions

KMnO₄ as an Oxidizing Agent: KMnO₄ exhibits powerful oxidizing properties due to its ability to accept electrons.
Trends in Ionization Enthalpy across d-block elements: Shows periodic trends because of variations in electronic configurations and shielding effects.
Potassium Dichromate Preparation and Properties: Potassium dichromate is a potent oxidizing agent, and the preparation methods and chemical properties are diverse.
Variable Oxidation States in f-block elements: The f-electrons in these elements are not always well shielded, leading to oxidation state variation and unusual chemical properties.
Similarities and Differences between Lanthanoids and Actinoids: Lanthanoids and actinoids share similarities in their chemical characteristics, as f-block elements, but exhibit unique properties and characteristics related to radioactive decay and the presence of transuranic elements.
Transition Metals Catalytic Behavior: Transition metals serve as catalysts owing to their ability to form multiple oxidation states and coordinate with various molecules.
Magnetic Properties of d-block Elements: The magnetic properties of d-block elements depend on the presence of unpaired electrons in their d orbitals.
Lanthanoids Applications in Modern Industries: The f-block elements have applications in various industries, such as in catalysis and metallurgical processes.
Preparation and Uses of Lanthanum Oxide: Lanthanum oxide has important industrial applications owing to its unique properties and chemical reactivity, making it suitable for numerous applications.
Colored Compounds in Transition Metals: Transition elements often form colored compounds owing to d-d electron transitions. For example: the color of Cu²⁺ is related to electron transition and absorbing and emitting specific wavelengths of energy.