Solution of Chapter 8. The d- and f- Block Elements (Chemistry Part-I Book)

Silver atom has completely filled d orbitals (4d¹⁰) in its ground state.

How can you say that it is a transition element?

In the series Sc (Z = 21) to Zn (Z = 30), the enthalpy of atomization of zinc is the lowest, i.e., 126 kJ mol^–1. Why?

Which of the 3d series of the transition metals exhibits the largest number of oxidation states and why?

The E°(M²⁺/M) value for copper is positive (+0.34V). What is a possible reason for this? (Hint: consider its high Δ_aH° and low Δ_hydH°)

How would you account for the irregular variation of ionization enthalpies (first and second) in the first series of the transition elements?

Why is the highest oxidation state of a metal exhibited in its oxide or fluoride only?

Which is a stronger reducing agent Cr²⁺ or Fe²⁺ and why?

Calculate the ‘spin only’ magnetic moment of M²⁺_(aq) ion (Z = 27).

Explain why Cu⁺ ion is not stable in aqueous solutions?

Actinoid contraction is greater from element to element than lanthanoid contraction. Why?

Write down the electronic configuration of:

(i) Cr³⁺ (iii) Cu⁺ (v) Co²⁺ (vii) Mn²⁺

(ii) Pm³⁺ (iv) Ce⁴⁺ (vi) Lu²⁺ (viii) Th⁴⁺

Why are Mn²⁺ compounds more stable than Fe²⁺ towards oxidation to their +3 state?

Explain briefly how +2 state becomes more and more stable in the first half of the first-row transition elements with increasing atomic number?

To what extent do the electronic configurations decide the stability of oxidation states in the first series of the transition elements? Illustrate your answer with examples.

What may be the stable oxidation state of the transition element with the following d electron configurations in the ground state of their atoms: 3d³, 3d⁵, 3d⁸ and 3d⁴?

Name the oxometal anions of the first series of the transition metals in which the metal exhibits the oxidation state equal to its group number.

What is lanthanoid contraction? What are the consequences of lanthanoid contraction?

What are the characteristics of the transition elements and why are they called transition elements? Which of the d-block elements may not be regarded as the transition elements?

In what way is the electronic configuration of the transition elements different from that of the non-transition elements?

What are the different oxidation states exhibited by the lanthanoids?

Explain giving reasons:

Transition metals and many of their compounds show paramagnetic behaviour.

Explain giving reasons:

The enthalpies of atomization of the transition metals are high.

Explain giving reasons:

The transition metals generally form coloured compounds.

Explain giving reasons:

Transition metals and their many compounds act as good catalyst.

What are interstitial compounds? Why are such compounds well known for transition metals?

How is the variability in oxidation states of transition metals different from that of the non-transition metals? Illustrate with examples.

Describe the preparation of potassium dichromate from iron chromite ore. What is the effect of increasing pH on a solution of potassium dichromate?

Describe the oxidizing action of potassium dichromate and write the ionic equations for its reaction with:

(i) iodide (ii) iron(II) solution and (iii) H₂S

Describe the preparation of potassium permanganate. How does the acidified permanganate solution react with (i) iron(II) ions (ii) SO₂ and (iii) oxalic acid?

Write the ionic equations for the reactions.

For M²⁺/M and M³⁺/M²⁺ systems the EV values for some metals are as follows:

Use this data to comment upon:

(i) the stability of Fe³⁺ in acid solution as compared to that of Cr³⁺ or Mn³⁺ and

(ii) the ease with which iron can be oxidized as compared to a similar process for either chromium or manganese metal.

Predict which of the following will be coloured in aqueous solution? Ti³⁺, V³⁺, Cu⁺, Sc³⁺, Mn²⁺, Fe³⁺ and Co²⁺. Give reasons for each.

Compare the stability of +2 oxidation state for the elements of the first transition series.

Compare the chemistry of actinoids with that of the lanthanoids with special reference to:

(i) electronic configuration (iii) oxidation state

(ii) atomic and ionic sizes and (iv) chemical reactivity.

How would you account for the following:

Of the d4 species, Cr²⁺ is strongly reducing while manganese (III) is strongly oxidizing.

How would you account for the following:

Cobalt(II) is stable in aqueous solution but in the presence of complexing reagents, it is easily oxidized.

How would you account for the following:

The d¹ configuration is very unstable in ions.

What is meant by ‘disproportionation’? Give two examples of disproportionation reaction in aqueous solution.

Which metal in the first series of transition metals exhibits +1 oxidation state most frequently and why?

Calculate the number of unpaired electrons in the following gaseous ions: Mn³⁺, Cr³⁺, V^3+, and Ti³⁺. Which one of these is the most stable in aqueous solution?

Give examples and suggest reasons for the following features of the transition metal chemistry:

(i) The lowest oxide transition metal is basic, the highest is amphoteric/acidic.

(ii) A transition metal exhibits highest oxidation state in oxides and fluorides.

(iii) The highest oxidation state is exhibited in oxoanions of a metal.

Indicate the steps in the preparation of:

(i) K₂Cr₂O₇ from chromite ore. (ii) KMnO4 from pyrolusite ore.

What are alloys? Name an important alloy which contains some of the lanthanoid metals. Mention its uses.

What are inner transition elements? Decide which of the following atomic numbers are the atomic numbers of the inner transition elements: 29, 59, 74, 95, 102, 104.

The chemistry of the actinoid elements is not so smooth as that of the lanthanoids. Justify this statement by giving some examples from the oxidation state of these elements.

Which is the last element in the series of the actinoids? Write the electronic configuration of this element. Comment on the possible oxidation state of this element.

Use Hund's rule to derive the electronic configuration of Ce³⁺ion and calculate its magnetic moment on the basis of a spin only formula.

Name the members of the lanthanide series which exhibit +4 oxidation states and those which exhibit +2 oxidation state. Try to correlate this type of behaviour with the electronic configuration of these elements.

Compare the chemistry of actinoids with that of lanthanoid with reference to

a) Electronic configuration

b) Oxidation states

c) Chemical Reactivity

Write the electronic configuration of the elements with atomic number 61,91, 101 and 109.

Compare the general characteristics of the first series of transition metals with those of the second and third series metals in the respective vertical columns. Give special emphasis on the following points:

(i) Electronic configuration

(ii) Oxidation states

(iii) Ionisation enthalpies

(iv) Atomic sizes

Write down the number of 3d electrons in each of the following ions:

Ti²⁺, V²⁺, Cr³⁺, Mn²⁺, Fe²⁺, Fe³⁺, Co²⁺, Ni²⁺and Cu²⁺

Indicate how would you expect the five 3d orbitals to be occupied for these hydrated ions (octahedral)

Comment on the statement that the elements of the first transition series possess many properties different from those of heavier transition elements.

What can be inferred from the magnetic moment of the following complex species?