Transition metals can be distinguished from main-group metals by the fact that
A)main-group metals have only +1 or +2 oxidation states.
B)transition metals have higher relative atomic weights than main-group metals.
C)transition metals have a greater tendency to form colored compounds than main-group metals.
D)main-group metals have higher relative atomic weights than transition metals.
E)only the main-group metals can form complex ions.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Transition metals have a greater tendency to form colored compounds than main-group metals due to their partially filled d-orbitals, which allow for electronic transitions that absorb certain wavelengths of light and reflect others, resulting in a distinct color. Main-group metals, on the other hand, have completely filled s-orbitals and partially filled p-orbitals, which typically do not allow for the same electronic transitions and hence do not often form colored compounds.

Transition Metals Can Be Distinguished from Main-Group Metals by the Fact