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IB Chemistry HL 3.1.10 Hl Transition Element Colors Questions

Use real exam questions to explain ligand-induced d-orbital splitting, connect absorbed wavelengths to complementary observed colours and justify colourless ions.

Syllabus
First assessment 2025
Course
Chemistry HL
Level
HL

Exam points

  • Explain transition-element colour by describing ligand-induced splitting of partially filled d-orbitals and electron promotion across the energy gap.
  • Use an absorption wavelength or colour wheel to identify the absorbed and complementary observed colours of a transition-metal complex.
  • Compare metal ions, oxidation states, ligands or geometries to justify changes in d-orbital splitting, absorbed energy and colour, including colourless full-d ions.

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Study 3.1.10 (HL)—Transition element colors conceptsOpen the corresponding Concept lesson for explanations, examples and exam connections.

IB Chemistry HL 3.1.10 Hl Transition Element Colors Questions question 1

[Maximum number: 4]

Titanium and vanadium are consecutive elements in the first transition metal series.

Outline why transition metals form coloured compounds.

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