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Edexcel IAL Chemistry 17.1 transition metal definition

Do not classify by d-block position alone: use the stable-ion definition to explain why zinc or mercury may be d-block but not transition elements.

Syllabus
First assessment 2019
Course
Chemistry YCH11
Level
A2

Exam points

  • Classify transition metals by stable ions with incompletely filled d orbitals.
  • Explain why zinc or mercury can be d-block elements but not transition elements.

17.1—Transition metals are d-block elements that form one or more stable ions with incompletely-filled d-orbitals question 1

[Maximum number: 3]

This question is about mercury, Hg, and its compounds.
Mercury is a liquid element in the same group of the Periodic Table as zinc.
The electronic configuration of mercury is [Xe]4f145 d106 s2[\mathrm{Xe}] 4 \mathrm{f}^{14} 5 \mathrm{~d}^{10} 6 \mathrm{~s}^{2}.

Mercury forms compounds in either the +1 or +2 oxidation states.

Explain why mercury is classified as a d-block element but is not a transition element.
(3)

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