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The d-And-f-Block Elements
Question
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Zn2+ salts are white while Cu2+ salts are coloured. Why?

Answer

Element/Ion

Electronic Configuration

Zn

3d10 4s2

Zn2+

3d10

Cu

3d10 4s1

Cu2+

3d9


The colours of salts of transition metals are due to the d-d transition that depends on the presence of incompletely filled d-orbitals. Zn2+ has completely filled d-orbitals (3d10), while Cu2+ has incompletely filled d-orbitals (3d9); therefore, d-d transition is possible in Cu2+, which imparts colour to copper (II) salts.

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Some More Questions From The d-And-f-Block Elements Chapter

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

On what ground can you say that scandium (Z = 21) is a transition element but zinc (Z = 30) is not?

The outer electronic configuration of copper is 3d10 4s1, yet it is considered transition element. Why?

Why the melting points of transition elements are high?

Why Zn, Cd and Hg are not regarded as transition elements?

Name the first element of 3rd transition series.

Though copper, silver and gold have completely filled sets of d-orbitals yet they are considered as transition metals. Why?

Why are transition elements so named?

Why are transition elements known as d-block elements?

Write the general electronic configuration of d-block elements.