12 d- AND f- BLOCK ELEMENTS

01
d- AND f- BLOCK ELEMENTS
d- AND f- BLOCK ELEMENTS 1

Previous Year Questions

(ii) What is the reason for the irregularity in the above
E⊖ values?
1. Following ions of 3d-transition series are given:

Ti4+, V3+, Cr3+, Mn3+ (iii) Why is E Cu 2+ / Cu value exceptionally positive?

(Atomic number: Ti = 22, V = 23, Cr = 24, Mn = 25) [CBSE-56-2-1-(2022)]

Identify the ion which is 4. Account for the following :
(i) most stable in aqueous solution. (i) Transition metals and their compounds show
(ii) a strong oxidising agent. catalytic activities.

(iii) colourless in aqueous solution. (ii) Zn, Cd and Hg are non-transition elements.

Give suitable reason in each. (iii) Zr and Hf are of almost identical atomic radii.

[CBSE-56-1-1-(2022)] [CBSE-56-2-1-(2022)]

2. Account for the following: 5. Account for the following:

(i) Transition elements have higher enthalpies of (i) Cu2+ salts are coloured while Zn2+ salts are white.
atomisation. (ii) Eo value for the Mn3+/Mn2+ couple is much more
(ii) Separation of a mixture of Lanthanoid elements is positive than that for Cr3+/Cr2+.
difficult. (iii) Transition metals form alloys.

(iii) The E oM 2+ / M value for copper is positive. [CBSE-56-3-1-(2022)]

6. Define transition metals. Why Zn, Cd and Hg are not

OR
called transition metals? How is the variability in
(b) Define transition elements. Which of the d-block
oxidation states of transition metals different from that
elements may not be regarded as the transition
of p-block elements?
elements? Why transition metals generally form
[CBSE-56-3-1-(2022)]
coloured compounds?
7. (i) Which ion amongst the following is colourless and
[CBSE-56-1-1-(2022)]
why?
3.
Ti4+, Cr3+, V3+

E Cr Mn Fe Co Ni Cu Zn
M 2+ / M (Atomic number of Ti = 22, Cr = 24, V = 23)
– – – – – + – (ii) Why is Mn2+ much more resistant than Fe2+ towards
0.9 1.1 0.4 0.2 0.2 0.3 0.7 oxidation?
1 8 4 8 5 4 6
(iii) Highest oxidation state of a metal is shown in its
From the given E⊖ values of the first row transition oxide or fluoride only. Justify the statement.
elements, answer the following questions: [CBSE-56-4-1-(2022)]

(i) Why is E M 2+ / M
value highly negative as compared to 8. (a) (i) Silver atom has completely filled d-orbitals in its

other elements? ground state, it is still considered to be a transition

element. Justify the statement.
 2 d- AND f- BLOCK ELEMENTS

(ii) Why are E M 2+ / M values of Mn and Zn more negative (a) + 2 (b) + 3

than expected? (c) + 4 (d) + 6

(iii) Why do transition metals form alloys? [CBSE-56-1-1-(2023)]

OR 12. Complete the following equations :

(b) Answer the following questions on the basis of the (a) 2MnO −4 + 5NO −2 + 6H+ →
figure given below:
(b) Cr2O 72 − + 14H+ + 6e– →

[CBSE-56-1-1-(2023)]

13. Assign reason for each of the following :

(i) Manganese exhibits the highest oxidation state of +7

among the 3d series of transition elements.

(ii) Transition metals and their compounds are generally

found to be good catalysts in chemical reactions.

(iii) Cr2+ is reducing in nature while with the same

4 3+
d-orbital configuration (d ) Mn is an oxidising agent.

(i) Which element in 3d series has lowest enthalpy of (iv) Zn has lowest enthalpy of atomization.

atomisation? (v) Cu+ is unstable in an aqueous solution.

(ii) Why do metals of the second and third series have [CBSE-56-1-1-(2023)]
greater enthalpies of atomisation? 14. Which of the following characteristics of transition
(iii) Why are enthalpies of atomisation of transition metals is associated with their catalytic activity?
metals quite high? (a) Paramagnetic nature
[CBSE-56-4-1-(2022)] (b) Colour of hydrated ions
9. (a) Write any two consequences of Lanthanoid (c) High enthalpy of atomisation
Contraction.
(d) Variable oxidation states
(b) Name the element of 3d series which exhibits the
[CBSE-56-2-1-(2023)]
largest number of oxidation states. Give reason.
15. Assertion (A): Copper is a non-transition element.
[CBSE-56-5-1-(2022)]
Reason (R): Copper has completely filled d-orbitals in
10. Give reasons for the following statements:
its ground state.
(a) Copper does not displace hydrogen from acids.
(a) Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct
(b) Transition metals and most of their compounds show explanation of (A).
paramagnetic behaviour.
(b) Both (A) and (R) are true, but (R) is not the
(c) Zn, Cd and Hg are soft metals. correct explanation of (A).
[CBSE-56-5-1-(2022)] (c) (A) is true, but (R) is false.
11. The most common and stable oxidation state of a (d) (A) is false, but (R) is true.
Lanthanoid is:
[CBSE-56-2-1-(2023)]
d- AND f- BLOCK ELEMENTS 1

16. (a) (I)Account for the following: (2) The E oMn 2+ / Mn value for manganese is highly
(i) E0 value for Mn3+/ Mn2+ couple is much more
negative whereas E oMn3+ / Mn 2+ is highly positive.
3+ 2+
positive than that for Cr / Cr .
(3) Cu+ ion is unstable in aqueous solution.
(ii) Sc3+ is colourless whereas Ti3+ is coloured in an
aqueous solution. (ii) Write the equations involved in the preparation of
KMnO4 from Pyrolusite ore (MnO2).
(iii) Actinoids show wide range of oxidation states.
OR
(II) Write the chemical equations for the preparation of
KMnO4 from MnO2. (b) (i) Identify the following:

(b) (I) Account for the following : (1) Transition metal of 3d series that exhibits only one
oxidation state.
(i) Transition metals form alloys.
(2) Transition metal of 3d series that acts as a strong
(ii) Ce4+ is a strong oxidising agent.
reducing agent in +2 oxidation state in aqueous solution.
(II) Write one similarity and one difference between
(ii) Complete and balance the following equations :
chemistry of Lanthanoids and Actinoids.
(1) Cr2O72– + 14H+ + 6Fe2+
(III) Complete the following ionic equation:
(2) KMnO4 ⎯⎯ ⎯
heat
→
Cr2O 72 − + 2OH– →
(iii) What is Misch metal? Write its one use.
[CBSE-56-2-1-(2023)]
[CBSE-56-3-1-(2023)]
17. Among the following outermost configurations of
transition metals which one shows the highest oxidation 20. The ions of metals of Group 12 (Zn, Cd and Hg) have

state? completely filled d orbitals and so they :

(a) 3d34s2 (b) 3d54s1 (a) behave like semiconductors

(c) 3d54s2 (d) 3d64s2 (b) are very high melting solids

[CBSE-56-3-1-(2023)] (c) do not behave like transition metals

18. Assertion (A): Zinc is not regarded as a transition (d) behave like superconductors

element. [CBSE-56-4-1-(2023)]

Reason (R): In zinc, 3d orbitals are completely filled in 21. Assertion (A): Zr and Hf have almost identical radii.
its ground state as well as in its oxidised state. Reason (R): Both Zr and Hf exhibit similar properties.
(a) Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct (a) Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct
explanation of (A). explanation of (A).
(b) Both (A) and (R) are true, but (R) is not the (b) Both (A) and (R) are true, but (R) is not the
correct explanation of (A). correct explanation of (A).
(c) (A) is true, but (R) is false. (c) (A) is true, but (R) is false.
(d) (A) is false, but (R) is true. (d) (A) is false, but (R) is true.
[CBSE-56-3-1-(2023)] [CBSE-56-4-1-(2023)]
19. (a) (i) Account for the following: 22. (a) (i) Account for the following :
(1) Transition metals form complex compounds.
 2 d- AND f- BLOCK ELEMENTS

(1) Zn2+ salts are colourless while Ni2+ salts are (d) All Cr - O bonds are non-equivalent.
coloured. [CBSE-56-5-1-(2023)]
2+
(2) Cr is a strong reducing agent. 25. (a) Why is chemistry of actinoids complicated as
(3) Transition metals and their compounds show compared to lanthanoids?
catalytic activities. (b) Complete the following reaction and justify that
(ii) Write the ionic equations for the oxidizing action of it is a disproportionation reaction :
–
MnO4 in acidic medium with 3 MnO42– + 4H+ → _____ + _____ + 2 H2O.
–
(1) I ion, and (c) The given graph shows the trends in melting points
2+
(2) Fe ion. of transition metals:

OR [CBSE-56-5-1-(2023)]

(b) (i) Name two oxometal anions of the 3d series of the

transition metals in which the metal exhibits the
oxidation state equal to its group number.

(ii) What is the effect of increasing pH on a solution of

K2Cr2O7?

(iii) Why is Cu+ not stable in aqueous solution?

(iv) Name a member of Lanthanoid series which is well-

known to exhibit +4 oxidation state.

(v) Name two elements of 3d series which show

anomalous electronic configuration. Explain the reason why Cr has highest melting point and
[CBSE-56-4-1-(2023)] manganese (Mn) a lower melting point.

23. Which property of transition metals enables them to

behave as catalysts?

(a) High melting point

(b) High ionisation enthalpy

(c) Alloy formation

(d) Variable oxidation states

[CBSE-56-5-1-(2023)]

24. In the two tetrahedral structures of dichromate ion

(a) 4 Cr - O bonds are equivalent in length.

(b) 6 Cr - O bonds are equivalent in length.

(c) All Cr - O bonds are equivalent in length.

d- AND f- BLOCK ELEMENTS 1

Solutions
5. (i) Because Cu2+ has one unpaired electron in 3d-orbital
whereas Zn2+ has no unpaired electron / Cu2+ shows d-d
1. (i) Cr3+, due to stable t2g3 configuration.
transition whereas Zn2+ does not.
(ii) 3 Mn3+, as Mn is more stable in +2 oxidation state /
(ii) Because Mn is more stable in +2 due to stable 3d5
stable half-filled d5 configuration of Mn2+.
configuration whereas Cr is more stable in +3 due to
(iii) Ti4+, no unpaired electrons / no d-d transition / d0
stable t2g3 configuration / Much larger third ionization
configuration.
energy of Mn as compared to Cr.
2. (a)(i) Because of greater number of unpaired electrons
(iii) Because of similar atomic radii.
which cause strong metallic bonding / strong
6. * Metals which have incomplete d-orbital in ground
interatomic interaction forces.
state or in its oxidation state.
(ii) Because of lanthanoid contraction / similar atomic
*Because of completely filled d-orbitals in ground state
or ionic radii / similar properties.
or in its oxidation state.
(iii) Because of high ∆aHo and low ∆hydHo
*Oxidation states differ by +1 unit in transition metals
OR
whereas by +2 units in p-block elements / heavier
(b) The elements with partially filled or incompletely elements are stable in higher oxidation state in transition
filled d-subshell either in the ground state or in the elements whereas heavier elements are stable in lower
oxidation state. oxidation states in p-block elements.
Zinc, cadmium and mercury are not considered as 7. (i) Ti4+
transition elements.
no unpaired electrons in d-orbital / no d-d transition / d0
Due to d-d transition or presence of unpaired d configuration.
electrons.
(ii) Mn2+ is d5 and is more stable than Mn3+ (d4)
5
3. (i) Because of the stable half-filled 3d configuration in
whereas Fe3+ (d5) is more stable than Fe2+ (d4)
Mn2+.
(iii) Because fluorine and oxygen are highly
(ii) Because of the irregular sum of (∆iH1 + ∆iH2) values
electronegative / both are strong oxidising agents.
and much less sublimation enthalpies for Mn and V.
8. (a) (i) Silver has incompletely filled d-orbitals / d9
(iii) Because of high ∆aH and low ∆hydH
o o
configuration in +2 oxidation state.
4. (i) Variable or multiple oxidation state / ability to form
(ii) Mn2+ and Zn2+ has stable half-filled and fully filled
complexes / they provide large surface area for
configurations / relatively less sublimation enthalpy of
adsorption (utilises (n-1) d and ns electrons for
Mn and Zn.
bonding).
(iii) Because of similar atomic radii.
(ii) Zn, Cd and Hg have completely filled d-orbitals in
OR
its ground state as well as in its oxidised state.
(b) (i) Zn
(iii) Because of lanthanoid contraction / poor shielding
effect of 4f orbitals. (ii) It is because of frequent metal-metal bonding / due
to poor shielding effect of d and f orbitals.
 2 d- AND f- BLOCK ELEMENTS

(iii) Due to strong intermetallic bonding / strong 2 Cu+ (aq.) → Cu2+ (aq.) + Cu (s)
interatomic interaction. 14. (d)
9. (a) (i) Similarity in the size of the atoms of the elements 15. (d)
nd rd
belonging to same group of 2 / 4d and 3 / 5d transition
16. (a) (I)
series / the second and the third d-series exhibit similar
(i) Cr2+ changes from d4 to stable half-filled t2g3
atomic / ionic radii.
configuration while Mn3+ changes to stable half-filled d5
(ii) Difficulty in separation of Lanthanoids in pure state.
configuration.
(iii) Similar physical and chemical properties.
(ii) Because of no unpaired electron in the d-orbital of
(iv) Basic character of the lanthanide hydroxides Sc3+ whereas there is one unpaired electron in Ti3+ / Ti3+
M(OH)3 decreases with increase in atomic number. to show d-d transition.
(Any two consequences)
(iii) Because of comparable energies of Sf, 6d
(b) Mn, it has maximum number of unpaired electrons / and 7s orbitals.
It has maximum number of electrons that will
(II) 2 MnO2 + 4 KOH + O2 → 2 K2MnO4 + 2 H2O
participate in bonding.
3MnO 24 − + 4H+ → 2MnO −4 + MnO2 + 2H2O
10. (a) Copper shows positive E° value / Cu is less reactive
than hydrogen. (or any other suitable chemical equations of
preparation)
(b) Because of presence of unpaired electrons.
OR
(c) They have fully filled d-orbitals and hence weak
metallic bonding / low enthalpy of atomisation due to (b) (I)

fully filled d-orbitals / Weak Metal-Metal bonding. (i) Because of almost identical atomic radii.

11. (b) (ii) Because Ce4+ changes to the common + 3 oxidation

state.
12. (a) 2MnO −4 + 5NO −2 + 6H+ → 2Mn2+ + 5NO 3− + 3H2O
(II)
(b) Cr2O 72 − + 14H+ + 6e– → 2Cr3+ + 7H2O
• Similarity: Both Lanthanoids and Actinoids show
13. (i) Due to the participation of all 3d and 4s electrons in contraction I stable in + 3 oxidation state.
bond formation / due to the presence of maximum
• Difference: Lanthanoids are mainly non-radioactive
number of unpaired electrons.
whereas Actinoids are radioactive.
(ii) Due to variable oxidation state/ due to the ability to
(or any other suitable similarity and difference)
adopt multiple oxidation states / due to the large surface
(III) Cr2O 72 − + 2OH– → 2CrO 24 − + H2O
area / due to complex formation.

(iii) Cr2+ changes from d4 to stable half-filled t2g3 17. (c)

configuration while Mn3+ changes to stable half-filled d5 18. (a)
configuration. 19. (a) (i)
(iv) Due to the absence of unpaired electrons and weak (1) Because of small size, high ionic charge and
interatomic interactions. availability of d-orbital.
+ 2+
(v) Cu ion (aq.) undergoes disproportionation to Cu
(aq.) and Cu/
d- AND f- BLOCK ELEMENTS 1

(2) Because of stable half-filled 3d5 configuration in (i) Dichromate ion/ Chromate ion/ Permanganate ion
2+
Mn . (ii) Changes to CrO42– / K2CrO4
(3) Cu+ ion (aq.) undergoes disproportionation to Cu 2+ (iii) Cu+ ion (aq.) undergoes disproportionation to Cu 2+
(aq.) and Cu / 2 Cu+ (aq.) → Cu2+ (aq.) + Cu. (aq.) and Cu/ 2 Cu+ (aq.) → Cu2+ (aq.) + Cu (s)
(ii) 2 MnO2 + 4 KOH + O2 → 2 K2MnO4 + 2H2O (iv) Cerium /Terbium
3 MnO 24 − + 4 H+ → 2MnO −4 + MnO2 + 2 H2O (v) Chromium, Copper

(or any other suitable method of preparation) 23. (d)

OR 24. (b)

(b) (i) 25. (a) Actinoids show wide range of oxidation states / most
of them are radioactive elements.
(1) Sc
(b) 3 MnO42– + 4H+ → 2MnO4– + MnO2 + 2H2O
(2) Cr/ Fe
Oxidation state of Mn increases from +6 to + 7
(ii) (I) Cr2O 72 − + 14 H+ + 6 Fe2+ → 2 Cr3+ + 6 Fe3+ + 7
(oxidation) and decreases from + 6 to + 4 (reduction)/
H2O
Mn undergoes increase and decrease in oxidation state

(2) 2 KMnO4 ⎯⎯
→ K2MnO4 + MnO2 + O2 simultaneously.

(iii) An alloy of Lanthanoide (95% lanthanoid + 5% Fe) (c) Due to the presence of a greater number of unpaired
is Mischmetal. It is used in bullets, flints etc. electrons which leads to strong interatomic metal-metal

20. (c) bonding whereas Mn with a stable half-filled d5

configuration has a weaker metallic bond.
21. (b)

22. (a) (i)

(1) Because of no unpaired electron in d-orbitals in Zn2+

whereas, Ni2+ has 2 unpaired electrons in d-orbitals/ Ni2+
shows d-d transition while Zn2+ does not.

(2) Because Cr is more stable in+ 3 oxidation state due

to stable t2g3 configuration.

(3) Because of their ability to show multiple or variable

oxidation states/ ability to form complex I provide larger
surface area for the reactants.

(ii)

(1) 2 MnO4– + 10I– + 16H+ → 2Mn2+ + 5I2 + 8H2O

(2) MnO4– + 5 Fe2+ + 8 H+ → Mn2+ + 5 Fe3+ + 4 H2O

OR

(b)