Question

What are transition elements?

Answer 1

1. Transition elements are the elements found in the d-block of the periodic table.
2. Their differentiating electrons enter the (n − 1)d subshell.
3. They are positioned between the s-block and p-block elements in the periodic table, showing properties transitional between these blocks.
4. Transition elements have partly filled d-orbitals either in their elemental state or in their common ions.
5. They generally have an electronic configuration of the type `(n - 1)d^(1 - 10) ns^(1 - 2)`.
6. Zinc, cadmium, and mercury are not considered transition elements because they have fully filled d-orbitals in their stable ions.
7. Examples include the 3d series from Scandium (Sc) to Zinc (Zn) and other series such as 4d and 5d series.