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 colored compounds because their partially filled d-orbitals absorb specific light wavelengths. This electron excitation results in colored complexes.
(b) True. Zinc's common +2 oxidation state features a fully filled \(d^{10}\) configuration, preventing it from exhibiting characteristic transition element properties like forming colored complexes.