Question

What are the transition elements? Write two characteristics of the transition elements.

Answer 1

Elements that possess incompletely filled d-orbitals either in their ground state or in any of their oxidation states are known as transition elements. The name ‘transition’ given to the elements of d-block is only because of their position between s-block and p-block elements.

Characteristics of transition elements are as follows:-

1. They show paramagnetic behaviour.
2. They show variable oxidation states.
3. They exhibit catalytic properties.
4. They generally form complex compounds.
5. They generally form coloured compounds.

Disclaimer: Any two of the above-mentioned characteristics can be mentioned in the answer.