passwella.
Menu

JAMB Chemistry 2004 Question 38

Question 38

Metals and their Compounds

Transition metals possess variable oxidation states because they have

  1. A.electrons in the d orbitals
  2. B.electrons in the s orbitals
  3. C.a variable number of electrons in the p orbitals
  4. D.partially filled p orbitals
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (electrons in the d orbitals)

Explanation

The 3d and 4s electrons are close in energy, so different numbers of d electrons can be used in bonding, giving several oxidation states.