Properties of transition metalsEdexcel A-Level Chemistry: Mind map

Exam questions on Properties of transition metals

1. A student is classifying the period 4 d-block elements, from scandium (Z = 21) to zinc (Z = 30), using their atomic numbers.
   Explain why scandium is a d-block element but is not classified as a transition metal.2 marks
2. Copper (Z = 29) is used in electrical wiring and forms compounds containing Cu⁺ ions and Cu²⁺ ions.
   Cu⁺ ions have a full 3d subshell. Explain why copper is nevertheless classified as a transition metal.2 marks
3. Vanadium (Z = 23) forms compounds in which its oxidation number is +2, +3, +4 or +5, for example in VO₂⁺, which contains vanadium(V). Calcium (Z = 20) forms compounds in which its oxidation number is only +2.
   Deduce the full electronic configuration of a vanadium atom and of a V³⁺ ion, and state the number of 3d electrons in the vanadium in VO₂⁺.3 marks