Question

Evaluate these statements about transition metals:

• A. Both statements are right, and second explains the first
• B. Both are accurate, but second does not explain the first
• C. First is false, second is true
• D. First is true, second is incorrect

Hint:

Transition metals must have partially filled d-orbitals in their ground state, which Zn, Cd, and Hg do not have.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Analyze Statement 1.
Zinc (Zn), Cadmium (Cd), and Mercury (Hg) are d-block elements but are not true transition metals. This is because, in their normal states, they have fully filled d-orbitals, which disqualifies them from being classified as transition metals. Therefore, Statement 1 is false.
Step 2: Analyze Statement 2.
Statement 2 is correct because these elements (Zn, Cd, Hg) typically exhibit a +2 oxidation state in their normal states. This is consistent with their full d-orbitals in the ground state.
Step 3: Conclusion.
Since Statement 1 is false and Statement 2 is true, the correct answer is option (C).

Answer 2

Step 1: Zinc, Cadmium, and Mercury are d-block elements, but they are NOT true transition metals because their d-orbitals are completely full (not partially filled).

Step 2: So the first statement (calling them transition metals) is false.

Step 3: These elements do commonly show a +2 oxidation state, so the second statement is true.

Step 4: Since the first statement is false and the second is true, the answer is option (C).

Answer 3

Elimination approach: Transition metals are defined by a partially filled d-subshell in their common oxidation states. Zinc, cadmium, and mercury only ever show a fully filled d\(^{10}\) configuration, so Statement 1 (calling them transition metals) cannot be true, ruling out the two options that need Statement 1 to be true. Statement 2, that these elements show a +2 oxidation state, is well established (as in the chlorides of all three), so it is true, ruling out the option where both are called false. Only the option with the first statement false and the second true survives, option (C).