Transition Metals General Features printable pdf download

Transition Metals General Features

C h e m g u i d e – q u e s t i o n s

TRANSITION METALS: GENERAL FEATURES

1. a) Write the electronic structure of the following transition metal atoms using the short form in

which, for example, Co would be [Ar]3d

. Use this small bit of the Periodic Table (taken from

the Chemguide page) for the atomic numbers.

(i) Cu

(ii) Ti

(iii) Zn

(iv) Cr

b) Write the electronic structures of the following ions using the same short form as above.

(i) Fe

(ii) Fe

(iii) V

(iv) Ni

(v) Cu

2. Explain the difference between the terms transition metal and d-block element.

3. a) Transition metals show variable oxidation states. Give examples of two different oxidation states

shown by manganese in its compounds. In each case, give the oxidation state, and an example of a

compound or ion containing manganese in that oxidation state.

b) The first three ionisation energies for calcium and iron (in kJ mol

-1

) are shown in this table taken

from the Chemguide page.

(i) Both calcium and iron form a 2+ ion rather than a 1+ ion, despite the fact that a 2+ ion

needs a lot more ionisation energy than a 1+ ion. Explain why the 2+ ion is formed rather than the

1+.

(ii) Explain why iron can form a 3+ ion whereas calcium only forms a 2+ ion.

Transition Metals General Features