CHAPTER 4

The d- and f- block elements

1. TRANSITION & INNER TRANSITION ELEMENTS

Objective Qs [1 mark]
1. Match the properties with the elements of 3𝑑 series:

(a) (i)-(r), (ii)-(q), (iii)-(p)

(b) (i)-(r), (ii)-(s), (iii)-(p)

(c) (i)-(p), (ii)-(q), (iii)-(r)

(d) (i)-(s), (ii)-(r), (iii)-(p)

[CBSE SQP 2023]

2. The trend of which property is represented by the following graph?

(a) ionization enthalpy

(b) atomic radii

(c) enthalpy of atomization

 (d) melting point

[CBSE SQP 2023]

3. Which of the following does not give Cannizaro reaction?

(a) (CH3 )3 C − CHO

(b) (CH3 )2 CH − CHO

(c)

(d) HCHO

[CBSE 2023]

4. Which of the following reactions are feasible?

(a) CH3 CH2 Br + Na+ O − C(CH3 )3 → CH3 CH2 O − C(CH3 )3

(b) (CH3 )3 C − Cl + Na+ O − CH2 CH3 → CH3 CH2 − O − C(CH3 )3

(c) Both (a) and (b)

(d) Neither (a) nor (b)

[CBSE 2023]

5. KMnO4 is coloured due to:

(a) 𝑑 - 𝑑 transitions.

(b) charge transfer from ligand to metal.

(c) unpaired electrons in 𝑑 orbital of Mn.

(d) charge transfer from metal to ligand.

[CBSE SQP 2022]

6. Out of the following transition metals, the maximum number of oxidation states are shown by:
(a) Chromium ( 𝑍 = 24)

(b) Manganese (𝑍 = 25)

(c) Iron (𝑍 = 26)

 (d) Titanium ( 𝑍 = 22)

[CBSE 2020]

In the following question, a statement of assertion (A) followed by a statement of reason (R) is given.
Choose the correct answer out of the following choices.

7. Assertion (A): Magnetic moment values of actinides are lesser than the theoretically predicted values.
Reason (R): Actinide elements are strongly paramagnetic.
(a) Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).

(b) Both (A) and (R) are true but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A).

(c) (A) is true but (R) is false.

(d) (A) is false but (R) is true.

[CBSE SQP 2022]

8. Assertion (A): Transition metals have high melting point.

Reason (R): Transition metals have completely filled 𝑑-orbitals.

(a) Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).

(b) Both (A) and (R) are true but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A).

(c) (A) is true but (𝑅) is false.

(d) (A) is false but (R) is true.

[CBSE 2020]

Very Short & Short Qs [1 - 3 marks]

9. (A) Which ion among the following is colourless and why?
Ti4+ , Cr +3 , V +3

(B) Why is Mn2+ is much more resistant than Fe2+ towards oxidation?

[CBSE SQP Term-2 2022]

10. On the basis of the given figure, answer the following questions:
 (source: NCERT)

(A) Why manganese has lower melting point than chromium?

(B) Why do transition metals of 3𝑑 series have lower melting points as compared to 4𝑑 series?
(C) In the third transition series, identify and name the metal with the highest melting point.

[CBSE SQP Term-2 2022]

11. Account for the following:

(A) Ti(IV) is more stable than the Ti(II) or Ti(III).

(B) In case of transition elements, ions of the same charge in a given series show progressive
decrease in radius with increasing atomic number.

(C) Zinc is a comparatively a soft metal, iron and chromium are typically hard.

[CBSE SQP Term-2 2022]

12. (A) Why are fluorides of transition metals more stable in their higher oxidation state as compared to
the lower oxidation state?
(B) Which one of the following would feel attraction when placed in magnetic field:
Co2+ , Ag + , Ti4+ , Zn2+

(C) It has been observed that first ionization energy of 5𝑑 series of transition elements are higher than
that of 3𝑑 and 4𝑑 series, explain why? [CBSE SQP Term-2 2022]

13. (A) Write any two consequences of Lanthanoid contraction.

(B) Name the element of 3𝑑 series which exhibits the largest number of oxidation states. Give
reason.

[CBSE Term-2 2022]

14. Give reasons for the following statements:
(A) Copper does not displace hydrogen from acids.

(B) Transition metals and most of their compounds show paramagnetic behaviour.

(C) Zn, Cd and Hg are soft metals.

[CBSE Term-2 2022]

15. Out of zinc and tin, whose coating is better to protect iron objects?
[CBSE 2020]

16. Account for the following:

Copper (I) compounds are white whereas copper (II) compounds are coloured.

[CBSE 2020]

17. Calculate the spin-only moment of Co2+ ( 𝑍 = 27) by writing the electronic configuration of Co and
Co2+ .
[CBSE 2020]

18. Give reason and select one atom/ion which will exhibit asked property:
(A) Sc 3+ or Cr 3+ (exhibit diamagnetic behaviour)

(B) Cr or Cu (high melting and boiling point)

[CBSE 2020]

19. Following ions are given:

Cr 2+ , Cu2+ , Cu+ , Fe2+ , Fe3+ , Mn3+

Identify the ion which is:

(A) a strong reducing agent.

(B) unstable in aqueous solution.

(C) a strong oxidising agent.

Give suitable reason in each.

[CBSE 2020]

20. Give reason for the following:

Eu2+ is a strong reducing agent.
 [CBSE 2019]

21. Write the formula of an oxo-anion of chromium (Cr) in which it shows the oxidation state equal to its
group number.
[CBSE 2017]

22. Write the formula of an oxo-anion of manganese (Mn) in which it shows the oxidation state equal to
its group number.
[CBSE 2017]

23. Why do transition elements show variable oxidation states?

[CBSE 2017]

24. "Color in transition-series metal compounds is generally due to electronic transitions of two major
types, namely, charge transfer transitions and 𝑑 − 𝑑 transitions. TiO2 is one of the most efficient
photocatalyst materials for the degradation of organic dyes."
Explain, why Zn2+ salts are white while Cu2+ salts are coloured.

[Mod. CBSE 2015]

25. Observe the bar graph given below illustrating the covalent radii of 3𝑑, 4𝑑 and 5𝑑 series:

Explain why Zr and Hf have almost similar atomic radii.

[Mod. CBSE 2015]

26. How would you account for the following:

Transition elements form coloured compounds.

[CBSE 2015]

27. Give reasons:

Mn shows the highest oxidation state of +7 with oxygen but with fluorine it shows the highest
oxidation state of +4.
 [CBSE 2016]

28. What are the transition elements? Write two characteristics of the transition elements.
[CBSE 2015]

29. Why do transition elements show variable oxidation states? In 3 d series (Sc to Zn ), which element
shows the maximum number of oxidation states and why?
[CBSE 2015]

30. Why do transition elements show variable oxidation states?

[CBSE 2014]

31. Write any two characteristics of transition elements.

[CBSE 2014]

32. Give reason:

Transition metals are much harder than the alkali metals.

[CBSE 2014]

33. Give reason:

Transition metals and many of their compounds act as good catalysts.

[CBSE 2014]

34. Account for the following:

(A) Mn2+ is more stable than Fe2+ towards oxidation to +3 state?

(B) The enthalpy of atomisation is lowest for Zn in 3𝑑 series of the transition elements.

[CBSE 2014]

35. Assign a reason for each of the following observations:

(A) Transition metals (with the exception of Zn, Cd and Hg ) are hard and have high melting and
boiling points.

(B) The ionization enthalpies (first and second) in the first series of the transition elements are found
to vary irregularly.

[CBSE 2014]

Long Qs [4 - 5 marks]

36. (A) Account for the following:

(i) E ∘ value for Mn+3 /Mn+2 couple is much more positive than that for Cr 3+ /Cr 2+
 (ii) Sc 3+ is colourless whereas Ti3+ is coloured in an aqueous solution.

(iii) Actinoids show wide range of oxidation states.

(B) Write the chemical equations for the preparation of KMnO4 from MnO2 .

OR

(A) Account for the following:

(i) Transition metals form alloys.

(ii) Ce4+ is a strong oxidising agent.

(B) Write one similarity and one difference between chemistry of Lanthanoids and Actinoids.

(C) Complete the following ionic equation:

Cr2 O2− −
7 + 2OH →

[CBSE 2023]

37. Answer the following:

(A) Why are all copper halides known except that copper iodide?

(B) Why is the E ∘ (V 3+ /V 2+ ) value for vanadium comparatively low?

(C) Why HCl should not be used for potassium permanganate titrations?

(D) Explain the observation, at the end of each period, there is a slight increase in the atomic radius
of 𝑑-block elements.

(E) What is the effect of pH on dichromate ion solution?

[CBSE SQP 2022]

2. IMPORTANT COMPOUNDS OF TRANSITION ELEMENTS

Very Short & Short Qs [1 - 3 marks]

38. Give reasons for following:
(A) Zinc is not considered as transition element.

(B) Cr 2+ is reducing and Mn3+ is oxidising when both have 𝑑 4 configuration

(C) Transition metals and their compounds are known for their catalytic activity.
 [Delhi Gov. SQP Term-2 2022]

39. Write the balanced chemical equations involved in the preparation of KMnO4 from pyrolusite ore
(MnO2 ).
[CBSE 2020]

40. Account for the following:

Chromates change their colour when kept in an acidic solution.

[CBSE 2020]

41. When MnO2 is fused with KOH in the presence of KNO3 as an oxidizing agent, it gives a dark green
compound (𝐴).
Compound (A) disproportionates in acidic solution to give purple compound (B). An alkaline
solution of compound (B) oxidises KI to compound (C) whereas an acidified solution of compound
(B) oxidises KI to (D). Identify (A), (B), (C) and (D).

[CBSE 2019]

42. Complete the following equations:

(A) MnO2 + KOH + O2 →

(B) MnO− − +
4 +I +H →

(C) Cr2 O2−

7 + Sn
2+
+ H+ →

[CBSE 2019]

43. Complete and balance the following chemical equations:

(A) Fe2+ + MnO− +
4 +H →

(B) MnO4 − + H2 O + I − →

[CBSE 2018]

44. Orange colour of Cr2 O2−

7 ion changes to yellow when treated with an alkali. Why?

[CBSE 2017]

45. Complete the following equations:

(A) 2MnO− +
4 + 16H + 5 S
2−
→

heat
(B) KMnO4 ⟶

[CBSE 2017]
46. When chromite ore FeCr2 O4 is fused with NaOH in presence of air, a yellow coloured compound (𝑋)
is obtained which on acidification with dilute sulphuric acid gives a compound (Y). Compound (Y)
on reaction with KCl forms an orange coloured crystalline compound (Z).
(A) Write the formulae of the compounds (X), (Y) and (Z).

(B) Write one use of compound (Z).

[CBSE 2016]

47. Complete the following chemical equations:

(A) 8MnO− 2−
4 + 3 S2 O3 + H2 O ⟶

(B) Cr2 O2−

7 + 3Sn
2+
+ 14H+

[CBSE 2016]

48. Complete the following equations:

Δ
(A) 2MnO2 + 4KOH + O2 ⟶

(B) Cr2 O2− + −

7 + 14H + 6I ⟶

[CBSE 2016]

49. Complete the following equation:

2MnO− + −
4 + 6H + 5NO2 ⟶

[CBSE 2015]

50. Complete the following equation:

3MnO2− 4 + 4H+ ⟶

[CBSE 2015]

51. Complete the following equation:

MnO− + −
4 + 8H + 5𝑒 ⟶

[CBSE 2014]

The 𝑑 - and 𝑓-block elements

52. Complete the following chemical equation:

SO2 + MnO−
4 + H2 O ⟶

[CBSE 2014]
53. How do you prepare :
(A) K 2 MnO4 from MnO2

(B) Na2 Cr2 O7 from Na2 CrO4 ?

[CBSE 2014]

54. Complete the following equations:

(A) Cr2 O2− −
7 + 2OH →

(B) MnO− + −
4 + 4H + 3𝑒 →

[CBSE 2014]

Long Qs [4 - 5 marks]
55. Attempt any five of the following:
(A) Which of the following ions will have a magnetic moment value of 1.73BM.

Sc 3+ , Ti3+ , Ti2+ , Cu2+ , Zn2+

(B) In order to protect iron from corrosion, which one will you prefer as a sacrificial electrode, Ni or
Zn ? Why? (Given standard electrode potentials of Ni, Fe and Zn are −0.25 V, −0.44 V and −0.76 V
respectively.)

(C) The second ionization enthalpies of chromium and manganese are 1592 and 1509 kJ/mol
respectively. Explain the lower value of Mn.

(D) Give two similarities in the properties of Sc and Zn.

(E) What is actinoid contraction? What causes actinoid contraction?

(F) What is the oxidation state of chromium in chromate ion and dichromate ion?

(G) Write the ionic equation for reaction of KI with acidified KMnO4 .

[CBSE SQP 2023]