Transition Elements

Question 1

complex definition

Answer 1

consists of a central metal atom or ion surrounded by other ion/molecules called ligands bonded to the central atom or ion by dative covalent bonding

Question 2

ligand definition

Answer 2

can be either a neutral molecule or an anion that contains at least 1 atom bearing a lone pair of electrons to be used in dative covalent bond formation w a metal atom or ion

Question 3

why r transition metals coloured?

Answer 3

• ligands split the d-d orbitals into 2 diff energy levels
• e in lower energy d orbital absorbs certain wavelength of light energy* from the visible region of the electromagnetic spectrum, hence promoted to a higher energy level (d-d transition)
• remaining wavelengths are transmitted and complementary colour is observed

*if qn asked why smt is blue, say light energy corresponding to wavelength of orange light