Question

In what way are the electronic configuration of transition elements different from those of representptive elements?

Answer 1

1. Transition elements have electronic configurations of the form `((n-1)d^{1 - 10} ns^{1 - 2})` with partly filled d-orbitals.
2. Representative elements have configurations of the type `(ns^{1 - 2})` or `(ns^{2} np^{1 - 6})` without d-electrons being filled.
3. Transition elements involve filling of (d)-subshells (3d, 4d, 5d, 6d), while representative elements fill only s and p orbitals.
4. Due to partly filled d-orbitals, transition metals show variable oxidation states and other properties unlike representative elements.