Transition metals Flashcards
1
Q
Define transition metal
A
A d-block element that forms one or more stable ions with incompletely filled d-orbitals
2
Q
Define d-block element
A
An element in which the last electron enters the d-orbital
3
Q
What are the characteristics of transitions metals?
A
Hard solids
High melting and boiling temperature
Act as catalysts
Form coloured ions and compounds
Form ions with different oxidation numbers
Forms ions with incompletely filled d-orbitals
4
Q
How do transition metals form ions?
A
Lose their 4s electrons before the 3d electrons
5
Q
Which d-block elements are not transition metals?
Why?
A
Scandium () and zinc ()
Both elements form ions with no incompletely filled d-orbital, so they cannot be classified as transition metals, but can still be described as d-block elements
