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The D-And-f-Block Elements

Question
CBSEENCH12007290
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Answer the following questions:
(i) Which element in the first series of transition elements does not exhibit variable oxidation states and why?
(ii) Why do actinoids in general exhibit a greater range of oxidation states than the Lanthanoids?

Solution

i) The ability of the transition metals to exhibit variable valency is generally attributed to the availability of more electrons in the (n-1)d orbitals which are closer to the outermost ns orbital in energy levels. 
Scandium and zinc does not show variable oxidation states.


ii) Lanthanoids primarily show three oxidation states (+2, +3, +4). Among these oxidation states, +3 state is the most common. Lanthanoids display a limited number of oxidation states because the energy difference between 4f, 5d, and 6s orbitals is quite large. On the other hand, the energy difference between 5f, 6d, and 7s orbitals is very less. Hence, actinoids display a large number of oxidation states. For example, uranium and plutonium display +3, +4, +5, and +6 oxidation states while neptunium displays +3, +4, +5, and +7. The most common oxidation state in case of actinoids is also +3.

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

Silver atom has a completely filled d orbitals (4d10) in its ground state. How can you say that it is a transition element?

In the series Sc (Z = 21) to Zn(Z = 30), the enthalpy of atomisation of zinc is the lowest i.e., 26, kJ mol. Why?

The E° (M2+/M) value for copper is positive (+ 0.34 V). What is possibility the reason for this? 

How would you account for the irregular variation of ionisation enthalpies (first and second) in the first series of the transition elements?

Why is the highest oxidation state of a metal exhibited in its oxide or fluoride only?

Which is a stronger reducing agent Cr2+ or Fe2+ and why?

Explain why Cu+ ion is not stable in aqueous solutions?

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?

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