Question

Examine the following observations: (a) Transition elements generally form coloured compounds.
(b) Zinc is not regarded as a transition element.

Hint:

Remember, the key characteristic of transition elements is their ability to form coloured compounds, attributed to their d-orbital electrons.

Answer 1

(a) True. Transition elements form coloured compounds due to the presence of partially filled d-orbitals, which can absorb specific wavelengths of light. The excitation of these d-electrons causes the formation of coloured complexes.
(b) True. Zinc has a fully filled \(d^{10}\) configuration in its common oxidation state (+2), and thus, it does not exhibit the typical properties of transition elements, such as the ability to form coloured complexes.