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Questions
Why Zn, Cd and Hg are not called transition metals?
Account for the following:
Zn, Cd and Hg are not called transition elements.
Explain giving reason:
Zn, Cd and Hg are not regarded as transition elements.
Why are Zn, Cd and Hg not regarded as transition elements?
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Solution 1
The orbitals of elements such as Zn, Cd and Hg are totally occupied when they are in their ground state as well as their general oxidation state. As a result, these elements are not considered transition elements.
Solution 2
- Zn, Cd, and Hg have completely filled d-orbitals in their atoms and common ions (Zn2+, Cd2+, Hg2+).
- Their electronic configurations show no partly filled d-orbitals.
- Transition elements are defined as d-block elements having partly filled d-orbitals in their atoms or common ions.
- Since Zn, Cd, and Hg lack partly filled d-orbitals, they do not meet the definition of transition elements.
- Hence, Zn, Cd, and Hg are not regarded as transition elements.
Notes
Students can refer to the provided solutions based on their preferred marks.
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