Question:

Why does Cr have a higher melting point than Mn?

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The melting point of a transition metal depends on the strength of the metallic bonding, which in turn depends on the number of unpaired electrons available for bonding (from both the d and s electrons).
Updated On: Jun 16, 2026
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Solution and Explanation

Concept: The melting point of a transition metal depends on the strength of the metallic bonding, which in turn depends on the number of unpaired electrons available for bonding (from both the d and s electrons). More unpaired electrons taking part in bonding means stronger metallic bonds and a higher melting point.
Answer: Chromium (Cr, configuration 3d54s1) has six unpaired electrons, all of which can take part in metallic bonding, so its metallic bonds are very strong and its melting point is high. Manganese (Mn, configuration 3d54s2) has its two 4s electrons paired, so fewer electrons are effectively available for strong bonding. Because Cr has more electrons involved in metallic bonding than Mn, Cr has the higher melting point.
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