Explain physical properties and oxidation states of block elements?
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Solution
- block elements
From the third group of the modern periodic table to the twelfth group, there are elements known as block elements.
-block elements are those that can be found in Groups to of the periodic table.
The common electron configuration is .
Physical properties of block elements
All transition elements, with the exception of mercury, which is a liquid, have a typical metallic structure and exhibit characteristics including conductivity, malleability and ductility, luster, high tensile strength, etc.
The atomic radii decrease in a series as the atomic number increases, but the decrease is negligible at the midway.
They have high enthalpies of hydration for their ions as well as high melting and boiling temperatures.
Their initial ionization energies are greater than -block elements' and lower than -block elements', respectively.
They are electropositive in nature.
Oxidation states of block elements
Due to the high third ionization enthalpy value, is the oxidation state of the -block elements that is the most stable.
The elements that exhibit a high number of oxidation states are found in the center of the series or very close to it.
For example, Manganese exhibits all oxidation states between and .
Due to partially filled -orbitals, transition elements exhibit oxidation states that differ by a factor of unity.