Module 5: Transition Elements

Question 1

What is a transition element?

Answer 1

d block elements that form atleast one ion with a partially filled d-orbital

Question 2

What are the properties of transition elements?

Answer 2

• Have variable oxidation states
• Form coloured compounds
• The elements and their compounds can act as catalysts

Question 3

Why do transition elements have variable oxidation states?

Answer 3

It depends on the compound that is formed

Question 4

What is a complex ion?

Answer 4

Metal ion surrounded by coordinately bonded ligands

Question 5

What is a ligand?

Answer 5

Molecule or ion that donates a pair of electrons to a central metal ion

Question 6

How do transition elements form coloured compounds?

Answer 6

The colour of a solution is linked to the partially filled d-orbitals of the transition metal ion. The colour of a solution can vary with different oxidation states

Question 7

What do transition elements form?

Answer 7

Complex ions

Question 8

What is the coordinate number?

Answer 8

Number of coordinate bonds that are formed with the central metal ion

Question 9

What is a monodentate ligand?

Answer 9

A ligand that is able to donate only one pair of electrons to a central metal ion

Question 10

What is a bidentate ligand?

Answer 10

A ligand that has two active lone pairs at bonding level

Question 11

What are the most common coordinate number of complex ions?

Answer 11

4 and 6