Question

Transition metals exhibit variable oxidation states. It is because of:

• A. the smaller atomic radius
• B. the higher nuclear charge
• C. the high screening effect
• D. the less energy difference between (n-1)d and ns subshell

Answer 1

The correct option is D the less energy difference between (n-1)d and ns subshell

The energy difference between (n-1)d and ns subshell is very less. Transition metals have (n-1)d and ns electrons.

After losing some s and d electrons, transition metals can acquire immediate half-filled and fully filled stable configurations.

They may have more than one such intermediate states. Therefore, the transition metals have variable oxidation states.

Option D is correct.