Question

Assertion (A): Zn, Cd and Hg are not regarded as transition elements.
Reason (R): Zn, Cd and Hg do not have partially filled d-orbitals in their ground state or in any one of their common oxidation states.

• A. Both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are true and Reason (R) is the correct explanation of the Assertion (A).
• B. Both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are true, but Reason (R) is \textit{not} the correct explanation of the Assertion (A).
• C. Assertion (A) is true, but Reason (R) is false.
• D. Assertion (A) is false, but Reason (R) is true.

Hint:

Transition elements must have at least one partially filled d-orbital in their ground state or in any stable oxidation state.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Zn, Cd, and Hg belong to the d-block but are not considered true transition elements because transition elements must have at least one ion with an incomplete d-subshell.
Step 2: In their ground state and common oxidation states (+2), Zn, Cd, and Hg have completely filled d-orbitals (d\(^{10}\) configuration).
Step 3: Therefore, both the Assertion and the Reason are true, and the Reason correctly explains the Assertion.