Question detail
What is a characteristic of transition metals?
Try the question, check the answer, then read the explanation to understand the curriculum point.
At a glance
MCQ
Type
practice
Style
Topic
Transition metals (A-level only)
Question
- A. They form only one type of ion.
- B. They have a full d subshell in all their ions.
- C. They can form multiple oxidation states.
- D. They are all non-metals.
Answer
They can form multiple oxidation states.
Explanation
The evidence shows that transition metals are defined by their ability to form at least one ion with an incomplete d subshell, which allows them to exhibit variable oxidation states. This implies that transition metals can participate in a variety of chemical reactions and bonding scenarios, leading to diverse chemical behavior. Therefore, the conclusion is that the ability to form multiple oxidation states is a key characteristic of transition metals.
Common mistake
Misunderstanding Redox Titration Data
Students often confuse the stoichiometry of the reactants in redox titrations, leading to incorrect calculations of the concentration of the transition metal ion.
To fix this, students should carefully balance the redox reaction equation and ensure they understand the mole ratios involved before performing calculations.
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