Edexcel A-Level Chemistry A2 17.1 Transition Metals Are D Block Elements That Form One or More Stable Ions with Incompletely Filled D Orbitals Questions

An explanation that makes reference to the following points:

- $\left(\mathrm{Hg}^{+}\right.$is $\left.[\mathrm{Xe}] 4 \mathrm{f}^{14}\right) 5 \mathrm{~d}^{10} 6 \mathrm{~s}^{1}$

and $\left(\mathrm{Hg}^{2+}\right.$ is $\left.[\mathrm{Xe}] 4 \mathrm{f}^{14}\right) 5 \mathrm{~d}^{10}\left(6 \mathrm{~s}^{0}\right)$

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- (d-block element as last) electron goes into a (5)d-orbital(s) (when the electronic configuration is written according to the Aufbau principle)

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- (not transition element as) $\mathrm{Hg}^{+}$and $\mathrm{Hg}^{2+}$ /(stable) ions do not have incompletely filled (5)d-orbital(s)

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Accept use of d-subshell for d-orbital(s) Allow use of d-shell for d-subshell Penalise use of just d-block for d-shell once only Penalise use of 3d/4d for 5d once only

Allow Hg loses (only) its 6s electrons (when forming ions/compounds)

Do not award answer in terms of the electronic configuration of an ion of mercury

Allow $\mathrm{Hg}^{+}$and $\mathrm{Hg}^{2+}$ /(stable) ions have completely full (5)d-orbital(s) Ignore any reference to d-d transitions / other transition element properties

Do not award answer in terms of the electronic configuration of the element / an Hg atom

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