Which of the following is a characteristic property of transition metals?
Practice Questions
Q1
Which of the following is a characteristic property of transition metals?
High electronegativity
Variable oxidation states
Low melting points
Non-conductivity
Questions & Step-by-Step Solutions
Which of the following is a characteristic property of transition metals?
Correct Answer: Variable oxidation states
Step 1: Understand what transition metals are. They are elements found in the middle of the periodic table, specifically in groups 3 to 12.
Step 2: Learn about oxidation states. An oxidation state is a number that represents the total number of electrons an atom gains or loses when it forms a compound.
Step 3: Know that transition metals can lose different numbers of electrons. This means they can have different oxidation states.
Step 4: Recognize that the d-orbitals (a type of electron cloud) are involved in the bonding of transition metals, allowing them to have these variable oxidation states.
Step 5: Conclude that the ability to have different oxidation states is a key characteristic property of transition metals.
