d and f block elements

1 d-block elements are called transition metals

Because the position of d-block is in between most electropositive metals in s-block and the electronegative
elements in p-block
2 Zn, Cd & Hg are not treated as true transition elements
Because they have completely filled d-orbitals in their atomic as well as stable ionic state
3 Cu & Ag are transition metals although they have completely filled d-orbitals
Cu2+ & Ag2+ have (n-1)d9 4s0 configuration.
4 Some d-block elements have irregular(exceptional) electronic configuration
Due to very small energy difference between (n-1)d & ns sub-shell
5 Atomic size does not change appreciably in a row of transition metals
Along the rows nuclear charge increases but the penultimate d-sub shell has poor shielding effect so atomic
and ionic size remain almost same .
6 In d-block horizontal similarities in properties are observed
Along the rows nuclear charge increases but the penultimate d-sub shell has poor shielding effect so atomic
and ionic size remain almost same hence similar properties.
7 Transition elements have variable oxidation states
Due to very small energy difference between (n-1)d & ns sub-shell electrons from both the sub-shell take
part in bonding
8 Transition metals have high melting and boiling points
A large number of unpaired electrons take part in bonding so they have very strong metallic bonds and hence
high m.pt & b.pt
9 Transition metals have high enthalpy of atomization
A large number of unpaired electrons take part in bonding so they have very strong metallic bonds and hence
high enthalpy of atomization
10 Transition metals show catalytic properties
Because they have variable oxidation states and hence can form different intermediates. They also provide
large surface area.
11 Transition metals and their salts are generally colored
Because they have partially filled d-sub shell and hence d-d electron transition takes place when they absorb
radiations from visible region and transmit complementary colors.
12 Transition metals form coordination compounds
Because they have large number of vacant orbitals in (n-1)d, ns, np & ns sub shells so they can accept
electron pairs from ligands
13 Transition metals form alloys
They have comparable atomic size and hence can be mixed uniformly
14 Transition metals form interstitial compounds.
Because small atoms like H, C, N etc can be entrapped in their metallic crystals
15 Zn, Cd & Hg have low boiling points and Hg is liquid.
They have full filled 3d-orbitals and no electorns from d-orbitals are taking part in metallic bonding so they
have weak metallic bonding. Due to larger atomic size Hg is liquid
16 Transition metals and many of their compounds show paramagnetic behaviour
Because they have unpaired electrons
17 d1 configuration is very unstable in ions
The ions in d1 configuration tend to lose one more electrons to get into stable d0 configuration
18 Cr 2+ is strongly reducing while Mn3+ is strongly oxidizing
E0 value for Cr3+/Cr2+ is negative but that of Mn3+/Mn2+ is positive so Cr2+ can lose electron to form Cr3+ while
Mn3+ accepts electron to form Mn2+. In case of Cr d4 to d3 occurs for Cr2+ to Cr3+. d3 is stable.
19 Cobalt(II) is stable in aqueous solution but in presence of complexing agents it gets oxidized
Oxidation state changes from +2 to +3 because in presence of ligands d-orbitals split up into t2g and eg having
the stable configuration t2g6 eg0.
20 Mn2+ compounds are more stable than Fe2+
Mn2+ has half-filled d-orbitals i.e 3d5 4s0 configuration
21 Fe3+ is stable
 Due to half-filled configuration i.e 3d5 4s0 configuration
23 Transition metals exhibit highest oxidation states in oxides and fluorides
Because of small size and high electronegativity oxygen or fluorine can oxidise the metal to its highest
oxidation state.
24 The highest oxidation state of transition metal is exhibited in oxoanions
Because of the double bond present in oxygen
25 For the first row transition metals the Eo values are:
Eo V Cr Mn Fe Co Ni Cu
(M2+/M) –1.18 – 0.91 –1.18 – 0.44 – 0.28 – 0.25 +0.34
Explain the irregularity in the above values.
The E0 (M2+/M) values are not regular which can be explained from the irregular variation of ionisation
enthalpies (Δ i H 1 + Δ i H 2) and also the sublimation enthalpies which are relatively much less for manganese
and vanadium.
26 Why is the E0 value for the Mn3+/Mn2+ couple much more positive than that for Cr3+/Cr2+ or Fe3+/Fe2+?
Explain.
Much larger third ionisation energy of Mn (where the required change is d5 to d4) is mainly responsible for
this. This also explains why the +3 state of Mn is of little importance.
27 Oxidising power increases in the series VO2 + < Cr2O7 2– < MnO4 –
This is due to the increasing stability of the lower species to which they are reduced.
28 The ionization enthalpies (first and second) in the first series of the transition elements are irregular
Irregular variation of ionisation enthalpies is mainly attributed to varying degree of stability of different 3d-
configurations (e.g., d0, d5, d10 are exceptionally stable).
29 The E0(M2+/M) value for copper is positive (+0.34V).
Due to its its high enthalpy of atomization and low hydration energy
30 Mn exhibits largest number of oxidation states in 3d series.
Manganese (Z = 25), as its atom has the maximum number of unpaired electrons.
31 In the series Sc (Z = 21) to Zn (Z = 30), the enthalpy of atomization of zinc is the lowest.
In the formation of metallic bonds, no electrons from 3d-orbitals are involved in case of zinc, while in all
other metals of the 3d series, electrons from the d-orbitals are always involved in the formation of metallic
bonds.
32 Silver atom has completely filled d orbitals (4d10) in its ground state but it is a transition element.
Silver can exhibit +2 oxidation state wherein it will have incompletely filled d-orbitals (4d9).
33 Zr has similar size to that of Hf
Due to lanthanoid contraction.
34 Actinoid contraction is greater from element to element than lanthanoid contraction.
The 5f electrons are more effectively shielded from nuclear charge. In other words the 5f electrons themselves
provide poor shielding from element to element in the series.
35 Explain why Cu+ ion is not stable in aqueous solutions?
Cu+ in aqueous solution underoes disproportionation, i.e.,
2Cu+(aq) → Cu2+(aq) + Cu(s) The E0 value for this is favourable.
36 2nd and corresponding third row transition elements have similar properties
Due to lanthanoid contraction they have similar size
37 Ce4+ is a strong oxidant
It can be converted into the most common oxidation state Ce3+
38 Eu2+ is a strong reducing agent.
It can be converted into the most common oxidation state Eu3+
39 Ce is the only lanthanoids exhibits +4 oxidation state
Ce4+ has noble gas configuration (Xe)
40 Why do transition elements form complexes?
Due to the small size and high nuclear charge
 Important Points/ Questions – d and f block elements
*Transition element is the one which has partially filled d orbital in its atomic or ionic state
*Transition metals have higher enthalpies of atomisation-large number of unpaired electrons, stronger
interatomic interaction
*The enthalpy of atomisation of zinc is the lowest- absence of unpaired electrons
*Transition metals show variable oxidation state- very less energy difference between (n-1)d and ns orbital
*Transition metals are good catalysts-they have variable oxidation states and large surface area
*Transition metals show paramagnetic behaviour-presence of unpaired electrons
*Transition metals form complexes- small size, high ionic charge and availability of empty d orbitals.
*Transition metals form alloys- atomic sizes are very similar to each other
*Transition metals form interstitial compounds- have vacant spaces filled up by small atoms like C, H and N
*Transition metals have high melting and boiling points because they have strong metallic bonding
*Transition metals show colour- d-d transition, absorption of visible light, shows complementary colour
*Scandium (Z = 21) does not exhibit variable oxidation states-only +3 oxidation state- by losing three
electrons it can attain octet configuration
*Scandium has incompletely filled 3d orbitals in its ground state (3d1), it is regarded as a transition element
*Zinc atom has completely filled d orbitals (3d10) in its ground state as well as in its oxidised state. So, it is
not regarded as a transition element
*Zinc is soft whereas Cr is hard- Zn has no unpaired electrons while Cr has six unpaired electrons which
lead to strong inter electronic interaction
*The enthalpy of atomisation of zinc is the lowest - no 3d electrons are involved in the bond formation
*Cr2+ is reducing as its configuration changes from d4 to d3. d3 has a half-filled t2g level. In case of Mn the
change from Mn3+ to Mn2+ results in the half-filled stable(d5 ) configuration.
* Mn has the maximum number of unpaired electrons in Mn2+ state
* Mn2+ exhibits maximum paramagnetic behaviour as it has maximum number of unpaired e- in 3d level
* The highest oxidation state of a metal exhibited in its oxide or fluoride only since fluorine and oxygen are
the most electronegative elements.
*Cr2+ is more reducing than Fe2+ because the electrode reduction potential values are and
the more negative the electrode potential greater is the reducing power of the electrode
*When visible light falls on a transition metal compound or ion, the unpaired electrons present in the
lower energy d-orbital get promoted to high energy d-orbitals, called d-d transition, due to the absorption of
visible light. Therefore, transmitted light shows some colour complementary to the absorbed colour.
*Zr and Hf exhibit similar properties-due to Lanthanoid contraction
*Although Zr belongs to 4d and Hf belongs to 5d transition series but it is quite difficult to separate them-
due to Lanthanoid contraction.
* Members of second (4d) and the third (5d) series in each group of transition elements have similar radii-
due to Lanthanoid contraction.
* Cu+ ion is not stable in aqueous solutions- the high hydration enthalpy of Cu2+(2Cu+ Cu2+ + Cu)
* Ce3+ can be easily oxidized to Ce4+- Cerium(IV) has f0 oxidation state.
* Mn3+ undergoes disproportionation reaction easily- It gets reduced to Mn2+ half-filled state and Mn4+
*The highest oxidation state is exhibited in oxoanions of a metal-Oxygen has small size and highly
electronegative
* Highest fluoride of Mn is MnF4 whereas the highest oxide is Mn2O7 oxygen has tendency to form multiple
bonds with Mn but fluorine cannot.
* E0 value for the Mn2+/Mn much more than expected- greater stability of half-filled d subshell (d5) in Mn.
* There is general increase in density of element from Ti to Cu- mass increases and volume decreases
* MnO is basic while Mn2O7 is acidic in nature-the higher the oxidation state the higher the acidic nature.
* The increasing oxidising power of oxoanions are in the VO2+ < Cr2O72- < MnO4-(the oxidation state of V
is +5, Cr is +6 and that of Mn is +7, the higher the oxidation state the greater the oxidising power
* Cu cannot liberate hydrogen from acids- Because it has positive electrode potential
* Zn2+ salts are white whereas Cu2+ are blue in colour- Cu has incompletely filled configuration whereas that
of Zn2+ has complete one.
*First Ionization enthalpy of Cr is lower than that of Zn-Cr has a stable 3d5 state after the removal of one e-
*Lanthanoid contraction-The regular decrease (contraction) in the size of the atoms and ions with
increasing atomic number due to poor shielding of effective nuclear charge by 4f orbitals.
 MINIMUM LEVEL REVISION MATERIAL FOR CLASS XII MONTHLY TEST

THE d- AND f-BLOCK ELEMENTS

1. Zn, Cd and Hg are not considered as transition elements [ Due to full d10 configuration in their
ground state as well as in their common oxidation states]
2. Scandium is a transition element but Zinc is not. [Scandium is a transition element because it has
incompletely filled d orbitals but Zinc has completely filled d orbitals i.e 3d10 configuration ]
3. Copper atom has completely filled d orbital (3d10) in its ground state, yet it is transition element.
[Copper (Z = 29) can exhibit +2 oxidation state wherein it will have incompletely filled d-orbitals
(3d), hence a transition element]
4. Silver atom has completely filled d orbital (4d10) in its ground state, yet it is transition element.
[Silver (Z = 47) can exhibit +2 oxidation state wherein it will have incompletely filled d-orbitals
(4d), hence a transition element]
5. Transition elements exhibit higher enthalpies of atomization.[ Because of stronger interatomic
interaction and stronger Metallic bonding between atoms ]
6. In the series Sc(Z = 21) to Zn (Z = 30), the enthalpy of atomisation of zinc is the lowest.[ because in
the formation of metallic bonds, no electrons from 3d-orbitals are involved in case of zinc, while
in all other metals of the 3d series, electrons from the d-orbitals are always involved in the
formation of metallic bonds.]
7. Transition metals have high melting and boiling points.[ because they have strong metallic bonding
due to involvement of greater number of electrons from (n-1)d in addition to the ns electrons. In
any row the melting points of these metals rise to a maximum at d5 except for anomalous values
of Mn.]
8. Fe has higher melting point than Cu. [Due to strong metallic bonding due to involvement of
greater number of electrons from (n-1)d in addition to the ns electrons.]
9. Chromium group elements have highest melting points. [Due to the half filled d- orbital due to
presence of unpaired electron they form strong intermetallic bonds /strong metallic bonding]
10. Transition elements are much harder than alkali metals. [because transition metals have more
number of unpaired electrons in their valence shells. As a result, they are able to form very strong
metallic bonds,]
11. Zinc is soft whereas Cr is hard. [because in the formation of metallic bonds, no electrons from 3d-
orbitals are involved in case of zinc, while in Cr 3d series, electrons from the d-orbitals are always
involved in the formation of metallic bonds]
12. Chromium is a typical hard metal while mercury is a liquid. [In Cr Due to the half filled d- orbital
due to presence of unpaired electron they form strong intermetallic bonds /strong metallic
bonding]
13. There occurs much more frequent metal –metal bonding in compounds of heavy transition
elements(3rd series). [5d transition elements (3rd series) are Iarger in size than the corresponding
3d elements. Hence the valence electrons are less tightly held and form M-M bond more
frequently
14. Metal –metal bonding is more frequent for the 4d & 5d series of transition metals than that for the
3d series. [4d and 5d transition elements (2nd and 3rd series) are Iarger in size than the
corresponding 3d elements. Hence the valence electrons are less tightly held and form M-M bond
more frequently]
15. Transition element form generally coloured compounds. [due to the presence of unpaired
electrons in d-orbitals of the transition metal ions. It is because of these d – d transitions
occurring in a transition metal ions by absorption of visible light that they appear coloured]

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 2
+3 3+
16. Sc is colourless, while Ti is Coloured[due to the absence of unpaired electrons in d-orbitals
Sc+3 is colourless while due to presence of unpaired electrons in d-orbitals Ti3+ is Coloured ]
17. Zn+2 salts are white ,but Cu+2 are blue. [due to the absence of unpaired electrons in d-orbitals Zn+2
is white while due to presence of unpaired electrons in d-orbitals Cu2+ is blue]
18. Cu+ salts are colourless while Cu2+ salts are Coloured . [due to the absence of unpaired electrons in
d-orbitals Cu+ salts are colourless while due to presence of unpaired electrons in d-orbitals Cu2+
salts are Coloured]
19. The Transition metals ions such as Cu+ Ag+ Sc+3 are colourless. [due to the absence of unpaired
electrons in d-orbitals]
20. Transition metals show paramagnetic behavior.[ Because transition elements contain unpaired
electrons in their (n-1) d sub shells.]
21. Mn2+ exhibits maximum paramagnetism[Because Mn2+ contain 5 unpaired electrons in their 3d sub
shells.]
22. Calculate the magnetic moment of a divalent ion in aqueous solution if its at.no is 25. .[ Ans: μ =
5(5 + 2) = 5.92BM]
23. Calculate the ‘spin only’ magnetic moment of M2+ion (Z = 27) [ Ans: μ = 3(3 + 2) =4.9 BM]
24. Variation in Atomic Size of Transition Metals along 3d transition series. : [The atomic radii decreases
from group 3 to 6 (i.e. Sc to Cr) because of increase in effective nuclear charge gradually, The
atomic radii of group 7,8 9 &10 elements (i.e. Fe,Co,Ni) is almost same because Screening effect
counter balances increased effective nuclear charge, Group 11 &12 elements i.e. Cu & Zn have
bigger size due to increase inter-electronic repulsion as result electron cloud expands and size
increases.]
25. Members of second (4d) and the third (5d) series in each group of transition elements have similar
radii. [because lanthanoid contraction essentially compensates for the expected increase in
atomic size with increasing atomic number.]
26. Zr and Hf exhibit similar properties.[ because lanthanoid contraction essentially compensates for
the expected increase in atomic size with increasing atomic number.]
27. Although Zr belongs to 4d and Hf belongs to 5d transition series but it is quite difficult to separate
them.[ because lanthanoid contraction essentially compensates for the expected increase in
atomic size with increasing atomic number.]
28. Radius of Fe+2 is less than Mn+2.[because effective nuclear charge in Fe+2 is more than Mn+2 ]
29. There is in general increase in density of element from titanium to copper.[ The decrease in metallic
radius coupled with increase in atomic mass results in a general increase in the density ]
30. Transition metal ions form complex ions.[ The transition metals form a large number of complex
compounds. This is due to smaller sizes of the metal ions, their high ionic charges and the
availability of d orbitals for bond formation.]
31. Most of the transition metals and their compounds possess catalytic properties.[ The catalytic
activity of transition metal ions is due to following two reasons: Variable oxidation states & Large
surface area
32. Transition metals form interstitial compounds.[ Transition elements form interstitial compounds
because size of C, N, O, and B is similar to size of interstitial voids of transition metal]
33. Most of the transition metals form alloys. [Because of similar radii and other characteristics of
transition metals, alloys are readily formed by these metals]
34. Transition element show variable oxidation state. The transition elements show variable oxidation
state due to small energy difference between (n-1)d & ns orbital as a result both (n-1)d &ns
electrons take part in bond formation

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 3
35. Mn Shows the highest oxidation state of +7 among 3d series elements.[ The maximum oxidation
states of reasonable stability corresponds in value to the sum of s and 'd' electrons up to
manganese . Total 7 electrons are present in 3d and 4s in Mn and hence it can exhibit maximum
oxidation state of +7]
36. The greatest number of oxidation states are exhibited by the elements in the middle of transition
series.[ In the middle of the series ( d5 configuration ) there is a participation of two ns electrons
and (n-1)d electrons in the bond formation. Therefore, the elements in the middle of
the transition sereis exhibit maximum oxidation state. (e.g., Mn present in 3d series .]
37. Mn Shows the highest oxidation state of +7 with oxygen but with fluorine it shows the highest
oxidation state of +4.[ Because of ability of oxygen to form multiple bonds using 2p orbitals
of oxygen and 3d orbitals of Mn.]
38. Mn2+compounds more stable than Fe2+towards oxidation to their +3 state.[
Since Mn2+ has stable half filled electronic configuration, therefore Mn2+ compounds are more
stable than Fe2+ towards oxidation to their +3 state. Fe2+ (3d6) can lose one electron easily to give
Fe3+(3d5, stable configuration).]
39. Of the 3d4species, Cr2+is strongly reducing while Mn3 is strongly oxidising.[Ans:Cr2+ is reducing as its
configuration changes from 3d4 to 3d3, the latter having a stable configuration ,half-filled t2g level
. On the other hand, the change from Mn3+ to Mn2+ results in the half-filled (3d5) configuration
which is an extra stable configuration.
40. Cr2+is strong reducing agent. [Ans:Cr2+ is reducing as its configuration changes from 3d4 to 3d3, the
latter having a stable configuration ,half-filled t2g level]
41. Cr2+ is a stronger reducing agent Fe2+.[Ans:because change in 3d4→ 3d3 occurs in case of Cr2+ to Cr3+
But 3d6→ 3d5 occurs in case of Fe2+ to Fe3+ .In a medium (like water) d3is more stable as compared
to d5]
42. The lowest oxide of transition metal is basic, the highest is amphoteric/acidic. [In the case of a
lower oxide of a transition metal, the metal atom has a low oxidation state & low effective
nuclear charge. As a result, it can donate electrons and behave as a base. On the other hand, in
the case of a higher oxide of a transition metal, the metal atom has a high oxidation state. There
is also a high effective nuclear charge. As a result, it can accept electrons and behave as an acid]
43. Mno is basic while Mn2O7 is acidic in nature.[ Mn in Mn2O7 is in +7 oxidation state and Mn
maximum oxidation state is +7. Hence it is Acidic. If an element in a compound is in lower
oxidation state then it will show basic character. Mn is in+2 oxidation state in MnO hence basic.]
44. CrO42- is a strong oxidizing agent while MnO4-2 is not. CrO42– is a strong oxidizing agent while MnO42–
is not. CrO42- is a strong oxidizing agent because it has a higher standard electrode potential value
(+1.52V) than Mn (VI) (at +1.33V)
45. The increasing oxidising power of oxoanions are in the VO 2+<Cr2O72-<MnO4- In the give three
oxoanions, the oxidation states of V, Cr and Mn are +5,+6 and +7 respectively. As the oxidation state
increases, the ease with which the oxoanions accept electrons increases. This increases the oxidizing
power.or This is due to the increasing stability of the lower species to which they are reduced].
46. The Eo(M2+/M) values are not regular for the first row transition metals.[Irregular variation of
E0M2+/M values for ionization metals is due to irregular variation of ionization enthalpies heat of
sublimation and enthalpy of hydration.]
47. E0value for the Mn3+/Mn2+couple much more positive than that forCr3+/Cr2+or Fe3+/Fe2+
[because Mn3+ ion receiving an electron gets d-subshell half-filled which is highly stable, while in case
of Fe3+, d−subshell is already half-filled, so it does not receive electron easily.]
48. E0value for the Mn2+/Mn much more than expected.[ due to greater stability of half filled d-subshell
(d5) in Mn.

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 4
0 2+
49. E value for the Cu /Cu is positive . [ As copper has a high energy of atomization and low
hydration energy]
50. Transition metal exhibit higher oxidation state in oxides and fluorides.[ because oxygen and
fluorine are highly electro negative elements, small in size (and strongest oxidising agents).
51. Highest fluoride of Mn is MnF4 wheras the highest oxide is Mn2O7 [As oxygen stabilises manganese
more than fluorine by forming multiple bonds]
52. The highest oxidation state is exhibited in oxoanions of a metal.[ Oxygen is a strong oxidizing agent
due to its high electronegativity and small size. So, oxo-anions of metal have the highest oxidation state.
53. Irregular variation of ionization enthalpies (first and second) in the first series of the transition
elements.[The irregular variation of ionization enthalpies can be attributed to the extra stability of
configuration such as d0,d5,d10. Since these states are exceptionally stable, their ionization enthalpy are
very high.]
54. +3 state of Mn is of little importance. [because half-filled stability of Mn2+]
55. The Third ionization enthalpy of manganese is exceptionally high. [because half-filled stability of Mn2+]
56. First Ionization enthalpy of Cr is lower than that of Zinc.[ In the case of zinc, the electron comes out
from a completely filled 4s2 orbital which is more stable than 4s1 in Cr. ]
57. Mn+3undergoes disproportionation reaction easily. [Mn3+ is less stable and changes to Mn2+ which is
more stable due to half filled d-orbital configuration.
58. d1 configuration is very unstable in ions.[ The ions in d1 configuration tend to lose one more
electrons to get into stable d0 configuration]
59. Cu+ ion is not stable in aqueous solutions.[ The ions in d1 configuration tend to lose one more
electrons to get into stable d0 configuration.]
60. Cu+ ion has d10 configuration while Cu+2 has d9configuration,still Cu+2 is stable in aqueous solutions.[
due to more negative enthalpy of hydration of Cu(aq)2+ than Cu(aq)+ which compensates for
second ionisation enthalpy of copper]
61. Cobalt (II) is stable in aqueous solution but in the presence of complexing reagents it is easily
oxidized.[ Cobalt (iii) ion has greater tendency to form complexes than cobalt (ii) ion. Therefore Co
(ii) ion being stable in aqueous solution changes to Co (iii) ion in the presence of complexing
reagents and get oxidised ]
62. Cobalt (II) is easily oxidized in the presence of strong ligands.[ In the presence of strong ligands, two
unpaired electrons in 3d orbitals pair up and the third unpaired e− shifts to higher energy orbital
from where it can be easily lost and hence show an oxidation state of III.]
63. Although Co2+ ion appears to be stable ,it is easily oxidized to Co3+ ion in the presence of a strong
ligand. [In the presence of strong ligands, two unpaired electrons in 3d orbitals pair up and the third
unpaired e− shifts to higher energy orbital from where it can be easily lost and hence show an oxidation
state of III.]
64. Unlike Cr3+,Mn+2,Fe+3 and the subsequent other M2+ ions of the 3d series of elements ,the 4d and
the 5d series metals generally do not form stable cationic species.[ 4d and 5d series transition
metals can form stable cationic species. But, due to the weak shielding effect of f orbitals, they
have tendency to show variable oxidation states.]
65. Transistion elements tend to be unreactive with increasing atomic number in the series.[ due to
higher ionisation energies.]
66. Chemistry of all the lanthanoids are quite similar.[ The change in the size of the lanthanoids due to
lanthanoid contraction is very small ]
67. Size of trivalent lanthanoid cations decreases with increase in the atomic number[Cause of
lanthanide contraction.]
68. It is difficult to separate lanthanoid elements in pure state..[ As there is an only small change in the
ionic radii of Lanthanides, their chemical properties are similar. ]
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 5
4+
69. Ce in aqueous solution is a good oxidising agent.[ because it can readily chagne to the most stable
+3 oxidation state by gaining one electron]
70. Ce4+ is used oxidising agent in volumetric analysis.[ Ce4+ has the tendency to attain +3 oxidation
state by accepting an electron and so it is used as an oxidising agent in volumetric analysis.]
71. Ce3+ can be easily oxidized to Ce4+.[ Ce3+ ions having the configuration 4f15d06d0 can easily lose
electron to acquire the configuration 4f05d06s0 and form Ce4+ ion. ]
72. d-block elements exhibit more oxidation states than f block elements. [because of less energy gap
between d and s subshell whereas f-block elements have large energy gap between f and d
subshell.]
73. Eu2+ is a strong reducing agent. [because Eu3+ is more stable than Eu2+]
74. La3+ and Lu3+do not show any colour in solutions.[due to absence of unpaired electron in f orbital]
75. Actinoids contraction is greater from element to elememt than lanthanoid contraction.[ due to poor
shielding by 5f-electrons in actinoids than that by 4f-electrons in the lanthanoids]
76. The actinoids exhibit a larger number of oxidation states than the corresponding
lanthanoids[because of the very small energy gap between 5f, 6d and 7s subshells.]
Answer the Following :
77. What is Lanthanoid contraction? Give its cause. What are its Consequences? [Lanthoanoid
contraction : The regular decrease in the atomic and ionic radii of lanthanoids with increasing
atomic number is known as Lanthanoid contraction.
Consequences of Lanthanoid contraction :
(i) Diffcult to separate the lanthanoids because the change in ionic radii is very small, their
chemical properties are similar. Hence, separation of lanthanoids are difficult. (ii) Similarity in size
of elements belonging to same group of second and third transition series due to lanthanoid
contraction the size of Zr (160 pm) is same as that of Hf(159).
78. Name an important alloy which contains some of the lanthanoid metals. Mention its uses.[ A well known
alloy containing lanthanoid metals is mischmetal which consists of 95% of lanthanoid metals, 5% iron and
traces of S, C, Ca and Al. Uses. Mischmetal is used in Mg-based alloy to produce bullets, shell and lighter
flint.]
79. Explain the chemistry of lanthanoids with reference to (i)electronic configuration (ii)Oxidation state (iii)
atomic size and ionic size (iv)chemical reactivity

80. Name the members of the lanthanoid series which exhibit +4 oxidation states and those which
exhibit +2 oxidation states. [Ce (Z=58), Pr (Z=59), Nd (Z=60), Tb (Z=65) and Dy (Z=66) shows +4 oxidation
state. They acquire electronic configuration closer to 4f0 and 4f7.

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 6
Nd (Z=60), Sm (Z=62), Eu (Z=63), Tm (Z=69) and Yb (Z=70) shows +2 oxidation state. They acquire half
filled (4f7) and completely filled (4f14) electronic configurations.]
81. Use Hund’s rule to derive the electronic configuration of Ce3+ion, and calculate its magnetic moment on the
basis of ‘spin-only’ formula. [μ=1.73 B.M]
82. Describe How Potassium dichromate is made from Chromite ore. Give the equations
• 4FeCr2O4+ 8Na2CO3 +7O2 ⎯ ⎯→ 8Na2CrO4(yellow solution)+ 2Fe2O3 +8CO2
2Na2CrO4 + 2H ⎯ +
⎯→ Na2Cr2O7(orange sodium) + 2 Na+ + H2O
Na2Cr2O7 + 2 KCl ⎯ ⎯→ K2Cr2O7(Orange crystals)+ 2 NaCl
83. When chromite ore FeCr2O4 is fused with NaOH in presence of air, a yellow coloured compound (A) obtained
which on acidification with dilute sulphuric acid gives a compound (B).Compound (B) on reaction with KCl
forms an orange coloured crystalline compound (C).
a) Write the formulae of (A), (B) & (C). A = Na2CrO4 B= Na2Cr2O7 C= K2Cr2O7
b) Write one use of compound (C). Used as a primary standard in volumetric analysis.
84. Complete the reaction:
a) Cr2O72–+ 6I–+ 14H+→ 2Cr+3+ 3I2 + 7H2O
b) Cr2O72–+ 3H2S+ 8H+→2Cr+3+ 3S+ 7H2O
c) Cr2O72–+ 3Sn2++ 14H+→2Cr+3+ 3Sn4++ 7H2O
d) Cr2O72–+ 6Fe2++ 14H+→2Cr+3+ 6Fe3+ + 7H2O
e) 2 CrO42– + 2H+→Cr2O72– + H2O
f) Cr2O72– + 2 OH-→2CrO42– + H2O
85. Describe How Potassium permanganate is made from pyrolusite (MnO2). Write the Chemical equations
• 2MnO2 + 4 KOH + O2 ⎯ ⎯→ 2 K2MnO4 (Dark green)+ 2H2O
• 3 MnO4 +4H ⎯
2- +
⎯→ 2MnO4-(Purple)+MnO2 +2H2O [Disproportionation]
86. When pyrolusite ore MnO2 is fused of with KOH in presence of air ,a green coloured compound (A) is
obtained which undergoes disproportionation in acidic medium to give purple coloured compound (B).
a) Write the formulae of (A) & (B). A= K2MnO4 B= KMnO4
b) What happens when compound (B) is heated. 2KMnO4 ⎯ ⎯→ K2MnO4 + MnO2 + O2
87. What is meant by ‘disproportionation’of an oxidation state? Give Two example.
88. Complete the reaction:
a) MnO4– + H+ + 5e- ⎯ ⎯→ MnO4– + 8H+ + 5e– ⎯
⎯→ Mn2+ + 4H2O
b) MnO4– + H+ + C2O42- ⎯ ⎯→ 2MnO4– + 16H+ + 5C2O42 ⎯ ⎯→ 2Mn2+ + 8H2O +10CO2
c) MnO4– + H+ + Fe2+ ⎯ ⎯→ MnO4– + 8H+ + 5Fe2+ ⎯⎯→ Mn2+ + 4H2O + 5Fe3+
d) MnO4– + H+ + I– ⎯ ⎯→ 2MnO4– + 16H+ + 10I– ⎯⎯→ 2Mn 2+ + 8H2O +5I2
e) MnO4–+NO2- + H+ ⎯ ⎯→ 5NO2- +2MnO4–+ 6H+ ⎯ ⎯→ 2Mn 2+ + 3H2O +5NO3-
f) MnO4– + I- + H+ ⎯ ⎯→ 10I- + 2MnO4– + 16H+ ⎯⎯→ 2Mn2+ + 8H2O+ 5I2
g) MnO4– + H2O+ I- ⎯ ⎯→ 2 MnO4–+ H2O + I– ⎯⎯→ 2MnO2 + 2OH- + IO3–
h) SO32-+MnO4– + H+ ⎯ ⎯→ 5SO32-+2MnO4– + 6H+ ⎯ ⎯→ 2Mn 2+ + 3H2O +5SO42-
Heat , 
i) KMnO4 ⎯⎯ ⎯→ 2KMnO4 ⎯ ⎯→ K2MnO4 + MnO2 + O2
j) MnO2 + KOH + O2 ⎯ ⎯→ 2MnO2 + 4 KOH + O2 ⎯ ⎯→ 2 K2MnO4 (Dark green)+ 2H2O
k) 5S + 2MnO4 +16H ⎯
2- – +
⎯→ 2Mn 8H2O +5S
2+

89. KMnO4 is a Strong Oxidizing Agent in an acidic medium than in alkaline Solution. Why?
[Mn+7 is the strongest oxidizing agent in an acidic medium as the decrease in an oxidation state of Mn
is maximum in it.]
90. In the titration of FeSO4 with KMnO4 in acidic medium ,why is dil H2SO4 used instead of dil HCl.
[Dil. H2SO4 is an oxidising agent and oxidises FeSO4 to Fe2(SO4)3. Dil. HCl is a reducing agent and liberates chlorine on
reacting with KMnO4 solution. Hence, the part of the oxygen produced from KMnO4 is used up by HCl.]

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