d- and f-block elements

Multiple choice questions:

1. Which one of the following first row transition elements is expected to have the highest third
ionization enthalpy?
(A) Iron (Z=26)
(B) Manganese (Z=25)
(C) Chromium (Z=24)
(D) Vanadium (Z=23)

2. The most stable oxidation state of Iron is:

(A) +2
(B) +3
(C) +4
(D) −2

3. The equilibrium Cr2O72− 2CrO42−

(A) exists in basic medium
(B) exists in acidic medium
(C) exists in neutral medium
(D) does not exist

4. When MnO2 is fused with KOH in air, it gives

(A) KMnO4
(B) K2MnO4
(C) Mn2O7
(D) Mn2O3

5. The product of oxidation of SO32− with MnO4− in acidic medium is:

(A) SO2
(B) SO42−
(C) S2−
(D) S2O32−

6. Transition elements form alloys easily because they have

(A) same electronic configuration
(B) same enthalpies of atomization
(C) same oxidation states
(D) nearly the same atomic size
7. Which of the following elements of 3d series of transition elements has the lowest ∆aH0?
(A) Sc
(B) Cr
(C) Cu
(D) Zn

8. From the elements of 3d series given below, which element shows the maximum number of
oxidation states?
(A) Scandium
(B) Manganese
(C) Chromium
(D) Titanium

9. The general electronic configuration of d-block element is:

(A) (n−1)d1-10 ns1-2
(B) (n−1)d10 ns1-2
(C) (n−1)d10 ns2-3
(D) (n−1)d0 ns1-2

10. Transition metals are known to make interstitial compounds. Formation of interstitial
compounds makes the transition metals
(A) more hard
(B) more soft
(C) more ductile
(D) more metallic

11. The most common and stable oxidation state of a lanthanoid is:
(A) +2
(B) +3
(C) +4
(D) +6

12. Among the following outermost configurations of transition metals which one shows the
highest oxidation state?
(A) 3d3 4s2
(B) 3d5 4s1
(C) 3d5 4s2
(D) 3d6 4s2
13. Which one of the following transition metals does not show variable oxidation state?
(A) Ti
(B) Cr
(C) Cu
(D) Sc

Assertion-Reason questions:

(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 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.

1. Assertion (A): Separation of Zr and Hf is difficult.

Reason (R): Zr and Hf have similar radii due to lanthanoid contraction.
2. Assertion (A): Transition metals have high enthalpy of atomization.
Reason (R): This is because transition metals have low melting points.
3. Assertion (A): Separation of Zr and Hf is difficult.
Reason (R): Zr and Hf are radioactive.
4. Assertion (A): Copper is a non-transition element.
Reason (R): Copper has completely filled d-orbitals in its ground state.
5. Assertion (A): Zn is not regarded as a transition element.
Reason (R): In Zn, 3d orbitals are completely filled in its ground sate as well as in its
oxidized state.
6. Assertion (A): Zr and Hf have almost identical radii.
Reason (R): Both Zr and Hf exhibit similar properties.

Very short answer type questions:

1. What is lanthanoid contraction? Actinoid contraction is greater from element to element than
lanthanoid contraction. Why?

2. Why do transition metals have high enthalpy of atomization? Which element in 3d-series has
lowest enthalpy of atomization?

3. Complete and balance the following chemical equations:

4. Complete and balance the following chemical equations:

5. How would you account for:

(a) The E0 value for the Mn3+/Mn2+ couple is much more positive than that for Cr3+/Cr2+
couple or Fe3+/Fe2+ couple.
(b) Complete the following equation:
2MnO4− + 16H+ + 5C2O42− →

Short answer type questions:

1. Following ions of 3d-transition series are given:

Ti4+, V3+, Cr3+, Mn3+
(Atomic Number: Ti = 22, V = 23, Cr = 24, Mn = 25)
Identify the ion which is
(a) most stable in aqueous solution
(b) a strong oxidizing agent
(c) colourless in aqueous solution
Give suitable reason in each case.

2. (a) Account for the following:

(i) Transition elements have higher enthalpies of atomization.
(ii) Separation of mixture of Lanthanoid elements is difficult.
(b) Complete the following equation:
2MnO4− + 6H+ + 5SO32− →

3. Define transition elements. Which of the d block elements may not be regarded as the
transition elements? Why transition elements generally form coloured compounds?

4.

From the given E0 values of the first-row transition elements, answer the following questions:
(a) Why is E0Mn2+/Mn value highly negative as compared to other elements?
(b) What is the reason for the irregularity in the above E0 values?
(c) Why is E0Cu2+/Cu value exceptionally positive?
5. (a) Account for the following:
(i) Zn, Cd and Hg are non-transitional elements.
(ii) Zr and Hf are of almost identical atomic radii.
(b) Predict which of the following will be coloured in aqueous solution and why?
Sc3+, Fe3+, Zn2+
[Atomic number: Sc = 21, Fe = 26, Zn = 30]

Case-based type questions:

Read the passage properly and answer the following questions:

1. Transition metals have incomplete d-subshell either in neutral atom or in their ions. The
presence of partly filled d-orbitals in their atoms makes transition elements different from
that of the non-transition elements. With partly filled d-orbitals, these elements exhibit
certain characteristic properties such as display of a variety of oxidation states, formation of
coloured ions and entering into complex formation with a variety of ligands. The transition
metals and their compounds also exhibit catalytic properties and paramagnetic behaviour.
The transition metals are very hard and have low volatility. An examination of the 𝐸𝑀2+ /𝑀
values show the varying trends:

Answer the following questions:

(a) On what basis can we say that Cu is transition element but Zn is not? (Atomic number:
Cu = 29; Zn = 30)
(b) Why do transition elements show variety of oxidation states?
(c) (i) Why do E0Mn2+/Mn values show irregular trend from vanadium to zinc?
(ii) How is the variability in oxidation states of transition metals different from that of the
non-transition elements?
OR
 (c) (i) Of the d4 series, Cr2+ is strongly reducing while Mn3+ is strongly oxidizing. Why?
(Atomic number: Cr = 24; Mn = 25)
(ii) Complete the following ionic equation:
2MnO4− + H2O + I− →

2. The involvement of (n−1)d electrons in the behaviour of transition elements impart certain
distinct characteristics to these elements. Thus, in addition to variable oxidation states, they
exhibit paramagnetic behaviour, catalytic properties and tendency for the formation of
coloured ions. The transition metals react with a number of non-metals like oxygen, nitrogen
and halogens. KMnO4 and K2Cr2O7 are common examples.
The two series of inner transition elements, lanthanoids and actinoids, constitute the f-block
of the periodic table. In the lanthanoids, there is regular decrease in atomic size with increase
in atomic number due to the imperfect shielding effect of 4f-orbital electrons which causes
contraction.

Answer the following questions:

(a) Why do transition metals and their compounds act as good catalysts?
(b) What is the cause of contraction in the atomic size of lanthanoids?
(c) Define lanthanoid contraction. How does it affect the atomic radii of the third transition
series and the second transition series?
OR
In aqueous media, which is a stronger reducing agent – Cr2+ or Fe2+ and why?

Long answer type questions:

1. Attempt any five of the following:

(a) Why Zn is not regarded as a transition element?
(b) What is Lanthanoid contraction?
(c) Why is first ionization enthalpy of chromium lower than that of Zn?
(d) Why are transition elements good catalysts?
(e) Compounds of transition elements are generally coloured. Give reason.
(f) Out of K2MnO4 and KMnO4, which one is paramagnetic and why?
(g) Complete the following ionic equation:
Cr2O72− + 14H+ + 6e− →

2. Attempt any five of the following:

(a) Ce (III) is easily oxidized to Ce (IV). Comment.
(b) E0(Mn2+/Mn) is –1.18 V. Why is this value highly negative in comparison to
neighbouring d block elements?
(c) Which element of 3d series has lowest enthalpy of atomization and why?
 (d) What happens when sodium chromate is acidified?
(e) Zn, Cd and Hg are soft metals. Why?
(f) Why is permanganate titration is carried out in the presence of HCl?
(g) The lower oxides of transition metals are basic whereas the highest are acidic/
amphoteric. Give reason.

3. Attempt any five of the following:

(a) Write the general electronic configuration of f-block elements.
(b) Out of Cu2+ and Fe2+, which one is a stronger reducing agent and why?
(c) Actinoid contraction is greater from element to element than lanthanoid contraction.
Why?
(d) KMnO4 acts as an oxidizing agent in acidic medium. Write the ionic equation to support
it.
(e) Name the metal in first transition series which exhibits +1 oxidation state most
frequently.
(f) Scandium forms no coloured ions, yet it is regarded as transition element. Why?
(g) How can you obtain sodium dichromate from sodium chromate?

4. Assign reason for each of the following:

(a) Manganese exhibits the highest oxidation state +7 among the 3d series of transition
elements.
(b) Transition metals and their compounds are generally found to be good catalysts in
chemical reactions.
(c) Cr2+ is reducing in nature while the same d-orbital configuration (d4) Mn3+ is an
oxidizing agent.
(d) Zn has lowest enthalpy of atomization.
(e) Cu+ is unstable in an aqueous solution.

5. (a) Account for the following:

(i) E0 value for Mn3+/Mn2+ couple is much more positive than that for Cr3+/Cr2+.
(ii) Sc3+ is colourless whereas Ti3+ is coloured in an aqueous solution.
(iii) Actinoids show wide range of oxidation states.
(b) Write the chemical equations for the preparation of KMnO4 from MnO2.

OR
(a) Account for the following:
(i) Transition metals form alloys.
(ii) Ce4+ is a strong oxidizing agent.
(b) Write one similarity and one difference between chemistry of lanthanoids and actinoids.
(c) Complete the following ionic equation:
Cr2O72− + OH− →
6. (a) Account for the following:
(i) Transition metals form complex compounds.
(ii) The E0Mn2+/Mn value for manganese is highly negative whereas E0Mn3+/Mn2+ is highly
positive.
(iii) Cu+ is unstable in an aqueous solution.

(b) Write the equations involved in the preparation of KMnO4 from Pyrolusite ore (MnO2).

OR

(a) Identify the following:

(i) Transition metal of 3d series that exhibits only one oxidation state.
(ii) Transition metal of 3d series that acts as a strong reducing agent in +2 oxidation state
in aqueous solution.
(b) Complete and balance the following equations:

(c) What is Mischmetal? Write its one use.

7. Answer the following questions:

(a) Name two oxometal anions of 3d series of the transition metals in which the metal
exhibits the oxidation state equal to its group number.
(b) What is the effect of increasing pH on a solution of K2Cr2O7?
(c) Out of Cu2Cl2 and CuCl2, which is more stable in aqueous solution and why?
(d) Name a member of Lanthanoid series which is well known to exhibit +4 oxidation state.
(e) Name two elements of 3d series which show anomalous electronic configuration.

8. (a) A transition element X has electronic configuration [Ar]4s23d3. Predict its likely
oxidation states.
(b) Write the number of unpaired electrons in Cr3+. (Atomic number of Cr=24)
(c) Complete the reaction mentioning all the products formed:
Cr2O72− + 3H2S + 8H+ →
(d) Account for the following:
(i) Mn2+ is more stable than Fe2+ towards oxidation to +3 state.
(ii) Eu2+ with electronic configuration [Xe] 4f76s2 is a strong reducing agent.