Transition metals within a period differ mainly in the number of ________ electrons.
A)s
B)p
C)d
D)f
E)all of the above

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Transition metals are defined by the presence of their partially filled d orbitals. Therefore, they differ mainly in the number of d electrons. The s and p electrons are already fully occupied or empty in the previous groups of the periodic table, and the f orbitals belong to the inner transition metals, which are located in the two rows at the bottom of the periodic table. Therefore, the correct answer is C - d electrons.

Transition Metals Within a Period Differ Mainly in the Number