Zn²⁺ salts are white while Cu²⁺ salts are coloured. Why?

Solution

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.

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?

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The D-And-f-Block Elements

Zn²⁺ salts are white while Cu²⁺ salts are coloured. Why?

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.

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The D-And-f-Block Elements

Zn2+ salts are white while Cu2+ salts are coloured. Why?

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.

Mock Test Series

NCERT Sample Papers

Entrance Exams Preparation

Zn²⁺ salts are white while Cu²⁺ salts are coloured. Why?

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