Question 1

The M²⁺ions of the first transition series of elements all have the general electronic configuration [Ar]4s²3d^x, where x is an integer from 1 to 8.

Accepted Answer

The correct general electronic configuration for the first transition series of elements is [Ar]4s^2 3d^x, where x ranges from 1 to 10, not 1 to 8.

Question 2

All the actinide series of transition elements are radioactive.

Accepted Answer

All of the elements in the actinide series, from actinium (Ac) to lawrencium (Lr), are radioactive.

Question 3

Octahedral complexes can exhibit geometric, optical, and linkage isomerism.

Accepted Answer

Octahedral complexes have six ligands surrounding the central metal ion, giving rise to several possibilities for isomerism based on ligand placement and orientation around the central metal ion. Geometric isomerism arises when the ligands can either be arranged around the metal ion in a cis or trans configuration. Optical isomerism arises when the arrangement of ligands around the metal ion creates a chiral structure. Linkage isomerism arises when the same ligand can bind to the central metal ion via different donor atoms.

Question 4

The most common oxidation state for ions of the inner transition elements is
A)+2.
B)+3.
C)+4.
D)+5.
E)+7.

Accepted Answer

The inner transition elements (lanthanides and actinides) have partially filled 4f and 5f orbitals, respectively. Therefore, they tend to form ions with a +3 oxidation state, which corresponds to the loss of three electrons from the f orbitals. While there are some exceptions and variability in oxidation states for individual elements, +3 is by far the most common oxidation state for inner transition metal ions.

Question 5

The conversion of the chromate ion (CrO₄²⁻) to the dichromate ion (Cr₂O₇²⁻) is a redox process.

Accepted Answer

The conversion between chromate and dichromate ions involves a change in the distribution of oxygen atoms around chromium atoms but does not involve a change in the oxidation states of chromium, thus it is not a redox process.

Question 6

A feature of transition metal chemistry is that these elements exhibit multiple oxidation states. Which one of the following elements exhibits the smallest number of different oxidation states?
A)Ti
B)Cr
C)Mn
D)Co
E)Zn

Accepted Answer

Zinc (Zn) is not considered a transition metal as it does not have any partially-filled d-orbitals. It only exhibits a +2 oxidation state. The other options are all transition metals and exhibit multiple oxidation states. Ti exhibits +2, +3, and +4 oxidation states; Cr exhibits +2, +3, +6; Mn exhibits +2, +4, +7; and Co exhibits +2 and +3 oxidation states.

Question 7

The permanganate ion (MnO₄⁻) is a powerful reducing agent.

Accepted Answer

The permanganate ion is a strong oxidizing agent, not a reducing agent.

Question 8

In complexes of transition metals, the maximum coordination number of the metal is equal to its number of d electrons.

Accepted Answer

The maximum coordination number of a metal in a complex is not determined by its number of d electrons but rather by the size, charge, and electron configuration of the metal ion, as well as the size and electronic properties of the ligands. Coordination numbers commonly range from 2 to 12, with 6 being particularly common for many transition metals, regardless of their d electron count.

Question 9

Of the 3d transition series of elements, scandium has the greatest atomic radius.

Accepted Answer

Scandium, being the first element in the 3d transition series, has the largest atomic radius due to its position in the periodic table. As you move across the period, the atomic radius generally decreases due to increased nuclear charge pulling the electrons closer.

Question 10

Square planar complexes can exhibit both geometric and optical isomerism.

Accepted Answer

Square planar complexes can exhibit geometric isomerism but not optical isomerism, as they do not have chiral centers that would allow for non-superimposable mirror images.

Question 11

Tetrahedral complexes can exhibit both optical and linkage isomerism.

Accepted Answer

Tetrahedral complexes can exhibit both optical and linkage isomerism, with the former arising from the presence of chiral ligands and the latter arising from the presence of ambidentate ligands.

Question 12

The maximum oxidation state of an element in the first transition series never exceeds its group number.

Accepted Answer

This statement is true based on the electronic configurations of elements in the first transition series. The maximum oxidation state is determined by the number of valence electrons available for bonding, which is equal to the group number for these elements. For example, the maximum oxidation state for iron (Fe) is +6, which corresponds to the six valence electrons in the 6th group.

Question 13

Which of the following elements has the ground state electron configuration, [Xe]4f¹⁴5d¹⁰6s¹? A)Hg B)Ag C)Hf D)Au E)Th

Accepted Answer

The given electron configuration is a mix of actual notation and nonsensical placeholders. However, recognizing the pattern and correcting the placeholders, the configuration simplifies to [Xe]4f^14 5d^10 6s^1, which is the ground state electron configuration for gold (Au).

Question 14

The ground state electron configuration of a transition element atom cannot have more than one incomplete subshell.

Accepted Answer

Transition elements are defined by their partially filled d orbitals, but they can also have incomplete s or p orbitals in their ground state configurations, leading to more than one incomplete subshell.

Question 15

The inner transition series of elements arise from the filling of f orbitals.

Accepted Answer

The inner transition series of elements, also known as the lanthanide and actinide series, arise from the filling of f orbitals.

Question 16

The most common oxidation state for ions of the transition elements is
A)+2.
B)+3.
C)+4.
D)+5.
E)+6.

Accepted Answer

The most common oxidation state for transition elements is +2, as they often lose two electrons from their outermost s orbital.

Question 17

Valence Bond theory rationalizes octahedral geometry by assuming a d²sp³ hybridization pattern.

Accepted Answer

Valence Bond theory explains octahedral geometry by involving the mixing of two d orbitals, one s orbital, and three p orbitals to form six equivalent d²sp³ hybrid orbitals, which accommodate six ligands.

Question 18

The Cu²⁺ ion has 1 unpaired electron.

Accepted Answer

The Cu²⁺ ion has an unpaired electron in the copper atom's d orbital, making it paramagnetic.

Question 19

Which one of the following has the ground state electron configuration [Ar]3d¹⁰4s¹? A)In ⁺ B)Cd ²⁺ C)Ag ⁺ D)Ag E)Cu

Accepted Answer

The ground state electron configuration of Cu is [Ar]3d104s1, which can be rewritten as [Ar]3d94s1¹. The given electron configuration contains an extra electron in the 3d orbital, indicating that it is an excited state. Therefore, the only choice that matches the given electron configuration is E, Cu.

Question 20

Of the 3d transition series of elements, zinc has the greatest atomic radius.

Accepted Answer

The atomic radius generally decreases across a period (row) in the periodic table due to increasing effective nuclear charge. Therefore, zinc, which is in the middle of the period, should have a smaller atomic radius than elements like scandium or titanium which are closer to the left side of the period.

Quiz 23: Transition Elements and Their Coordination Compounds

The M2+ ions of the first transition series of elements all have the general electronic configuration [Ar]4s23dx, where x is an integer from 1 to 8.

All the actinide series of transition elements are radioactive.

Octahedral complexes can exhibit geometric, optical, and linkage isomerism.

The most common oxidation state for ions of the inner transition elements is

The conversion of the chromate ion (CrO42−) to the dichromate ion (Cr2O72−) is a redox process.

A feature of transition metal chemistry is that these elements exhibit multiple oxidation states. Which one of the following elements exhibits the smallest number of different oxidation states?

The permanganate ion (MnO4−) is a powerful reducing agent.

In complexes of transition metals, the maximum coordination number of the metal is equal to its number of d electrons.

Of the 3d transition series of elements, scandium has the greatest atomic radius.

Square planar complexes can exhibit both geometric and optical isomerism.

Tetrahedral complexes can exhibit both optical and linkage isomerism.

The maximum oxidation state of an element in the first transition series never exceeds its group number.

Which of the following elements has the ground state electron configuration, [Xe]4f145d106s1?

The ground state electron configuration of a transition element atom cannot have more than one incomplete subshell.

The inner transition series of elements arise from the filling of f orbitals.

The most common oxidation state for ions of the transition elements is

Valence Bond theory rationalizes octahedral geometry by assuming a d2sp3 hybridization pattern.

The Cu2+ ion has 1 unpaired electron.

Which one of the following has the ground state electron configuration [Ar]3d104s1?