Question

Transition metals show high melting points why?

Answer 1

1. All the transition metals are hard.
2. Most of them are hexagonal close-packed, cubic close-packed (or) body-centered cubic, which are characteristics of true metals.
3. The maximum melting point at about the middle of the transition metal series indicates that the d⁵ configuration is favourable for strong inter-atomic attraction.
4. Due to the strong metallic bonds, the atoms of the transition elements are closely packed and held together. This leads to a high melting point and boiling point.