Question

Evaluate these statements about transition metals:

• A. Both statements are right, and second explains the first
• B. Both are accurate, but second does not explain the first
• C. First is false, second is true
• D. First is true, second is incorrect

Hint:

Transition metals must have partially filled d-orbitals in their ground state, which Zn, Cd, and Hg do not have.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Zinc, cadmium, and mercury sit in the d-block, but chemists reserve the label transition metal for elements with an incomplete d-subshell in at least one common oxidation state. All three keep a complete d\(^{10}\) shell in every oxidation state they commonly form, so calling them transition metals is incorrect. What is true is that they readily form a +2 ion by losing their two outer s-electrons. So the first statement is false and the second is true, option (C).