[24.1] d-block elements

Question 1

what is a d-block element?

Answer 1

any element with its highest energy electron in a d orbital

Question 2

what are transition metals?

Answer 2

metals that contain an incomplete d subshell in at least one ion

Question 3

which d-block elements are not transition metals?

Answer 3

• Zn
• Sc

Question 4

properties: density

Answer 4

• dense, which is what expect of metals
• Zn is less dense comparatively

Question 5

properties: melting point

Answer 5

• no regular pattern
• all high, which is typical of metals
• Zn has a lower melting point comparatively

Question 6

properties: reactivity

Answer 6

• similar reactivities
• tend to react relatively slowly eg. with air, water and acid
• generally reduced activity across the period but Zn is more reactive than expected

Question 7

what characteristic properties do transition metals have that are different from other metals?

Answer 7

• form coloured ions
• form complexes
• exhibit variable oxidation states
• can act as catalysts