Describe the electronic configurations of Sc, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, and list five general characteristics of transition elements.

Here is the solution to Q5.

Q5.

a) The electronic configurations of the free atoms of the given transition elements are:

• Scandium (Sc, Z=21): $[Ar] 3d^1 4s^2$
• Titanium (Ti, Z=22): $[Ar] 3d^2 4s^2$
• Vanadium (V, Z=23): $[Ar] 3d^3 4s^2$
• Chromium (Cr, Z=24): $[Ar] 3d^5 4s^1$
• Manganese (Mn, Z=25): $[Ar] 3d^5 4s^2$

b) Five general characteristics of transition elements are:

• They exhibit variable oxidation states.
• They form colored compounds or ions.
• They are generally paramagnetic due to the presence of unpaired electrons.
• They have a strong tendency to form complex compounds.
• They often act as catalysts in chemical reactions.