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Transition Metals quiz

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Terms in this set (15)

  • Where are transition metals located on the periodic table?
    Transition metals are found in the d block of the periodic table, which is the central section between the s and p blocks.
  • What are inner transition metals and where are they found?
    Inner transition metals are the elements in the two rows below the main body of the periodic table, specifically the lanthanides and actinides.
  • How are transition metals classified in terms of periodic table groups?
    Transition metals are known as Group B elements, starting from 3B to 2B, with groups 8, 9, and 10 collectively called 8B.
  • How do transition metals differ from main group elements in terms of chemical similarities?
    Transition metals show chemical similarities both across periods (rows) and within groups (columns), unlike main group elements which mainly show similarities within groups.
  • Where are new electrons added in transition metals and inner transition metals?
    In transition metals, new electrons are added to d orbitals, while in lanthanides and actinides, they are added to f orbitals.
  • List three common physical properties of transition metals.
    Transition metals are typically lustrous (shiny), have high densities, and possess high melting points.
  • Which transition metal has the highest electrical conductivity?
    Silver (Ag) has the greatest electrical conductivity among transition metals.
  • Which transition metal has the highest melting point and what is its value?
    Tungsten (W) has the highest melting point among transition metals, at 3,400°C.
  • Which transition metal is a liquid at room temperature?
    Mercury (Hg) is the only transition metal that is a liquid at room temperature.
  • Name three transition metals that are considered soft and explain why they were historically used for coins.
    Copper, silver, and gold are soft transition metals, making them easy to melt and shape, which is why they were used for coins.
  • What is meant by 'variable charges' in transition metals?
    Variable charges mean that many transition metals can form ions with different positive charges, known as type II metals.
  • Which transition metals have only one possible charge and what are those charges?
    Zinc (Zn) and cadmium (Cd) are always +2, and silver (Ag) is always +1; these are called type I metals.
  • What is the role of reducing agents in determining the oxidation state of transition metals?
    Reducing agents donate electrons to transition metals, helping to identify the specific oxidation state by the number of electrons accepted.
  • What are the exceptions to the electron configuration of transition metals, and which elements do they typically affect?
    Exceptions occur for elements with d4 or d9 configurations, typically affecting first-row transition metals like chromium and copper.
  • List the three reasons why chromium's electron configuration is [Ar] 4s1 3d5 instead of [Ar] 4s2 3d4.
    The reasons are: (1) 4s and 3d orbitals are very close in energy (degenerate), (2) d orbitals are most stable when half-filled or fully filled, and (3) moving an electron reduces electron-electron repulsion, lowering the energy.