Question:

Which of the following is not a transition metal?

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A transition metal is an element whose atom or one of its common ions has a partly filled d-subshell. If both the atom and its usual ions have a completely full d-subshell, it is not counted as a transition metal.
Updated On: Jun 16, 2026
  • Sc
  • Ag
  • Hg
  • Cu
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The Correct Option is C

Solution and Explanation

Concept:
A transition metal is an element whose atom or one of its common ions has a partly filled d-subshell. If both the atom and its usual ions have a completely full d-subshell, it is not counted as a transition metal.

Step 1:
Check the d-electrons. Sc, Cu and Ag have partly filled d-orbitals in the atom or in their common ions, so they are transition metals.

Step 2:
Mercury (Hg) has the configuration \([Xe]4f^{14}5d^{10}6s^2\). Its d-subshell is completely full (5d10), and its common ion \(Hg^{2+}\) is also \(5d^{10}\). Since the d-subshell is full in both, Hg behaves like a typical metal, not a transition metal.

Answer: Option (C) — Hg is not a transition metal because its 5d subshell is completely filled.
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