d - AND f - BLOCK ELEMENTS

Selected Important Questions

1 MARK QUESTIONS:

1) Give reason:
Transition metals and their compounds show catalytic activities. Delhi 2020
2) Complete the following ionic equation. Delhi 2020
3MnO4 + 4H →
2- +

3) Write the formula of an oxo-anion of manganese (Mn) in which it shows the

oxidation state equal to its group number. Delhi 2017
4) Zn salts are white, while Cu salts are coloured. Why?
2+ 2+ All India 2015
5) Why do transition elements show variable oxidation states? Delhi 2014C
6) Transition metals are much harder than the alkali metals. Why? All India 2014C
7) Which of the following cations are coloured in aqueous solutions and why?
Sc3+, V3+, Ti4+, Mn2+ (At.no: Sc = 21, V = 23, Ti =22, Mn = 25) Delhi 2013
8) Sc(21) is a transition element but Ca(20) is not. Why? All India 2012C
9) Explain the following observation:
Most of the transition metal ions exhibit characteristic colours in aqueous
solutions. Delhi 2012
10) How would you account for the following? Many of the transitions elements are
known to form interstitial compounds. Delhi 2012
11) How would you account for the following? The E◦(M2+/M) for copper is positive
(0.34V). Copper is the only metal in the first series of transition elements showing
this behaviour. HOTS; All India 2012
12) Assign reason for the following:
Copper (I) ion is not known in aqueous solution.
All India 2011, 2010;Delhi 2011
13) Transition metals and their compounds generally ehibit a paramagnetic behavior.
Give reason. All India 2011
14) Cr2+ is a strong reducing agent, whereas Mn3+ with the same (d4) configuration is
an oxidising agent. Give reason. Delhi 2011C
15) Explain the following observation:
The enthalpies of atomization of transition metals are quite high. Foreign 2010
16) Give reason:
Separation of a mixture of lanthanoid elements is difficult. Delhi 2020
17) Name a member of the lanthanoid series which is well known to exhibit +2
oxidation state. Delhi 2014
18) What are the different oxidation states exhibited by the lanthanoids? Foreign 2014
19) Zr (Z = 40) and Hf (Z = 72) have almost identical radii. Give reason. Delhi 2013
20) How would you account for the following? Lanthanoids form primarily +3 ions,
while the actinoids usually have higher oxidation states in their compounds, +4 or
even +6 being typical. Delhi 2012
21) How would you account for the following? Among lanthanoids, Ln(III) compounds
are predominant. However, occasionally in solutions or in solid compounds, +2
and +4 ions are also obtained. All India 2012
22) Explain the following observation:
The members of the actinoid series exhibit a larger number of oxidation states
than the corresponding members of the lanthanoid series.
Delhi 2012; All India 2012
23) The metallic radii of the third (5d) series of transition metals are virtually the same
as those of the corresponding group member of the second (4d) series. Give
reasons. AI 2012,Delhi 2012
24) What is meant by ‘lanthanoid contraction’? All India 2011
25) The chemistry of actinoids is not so smooth as that of lanthanoids. Give reason.
All India 2011
26) State reasons for the following: All India 2011, 2010
Unlike Cr3+, Mn2+, Fe3+ and the subsequent other M2+ ions of the 3d-series of
elements, the 4d and the 5d-series metals generally do not form stable cationic
species.
27) Chemistry of the actinoids is much more complicated than that of lanthanoids.
Give reason. Delhi 2011C
28) La (Z = 57) and Lu (Z = 71) do not show any colour in solutions. Give reason.
3+ 3+

(OR) All India 2010

Lanthanum and lutetium do not show colouration in solutions. Give reason.
Foreign2010
29) There is a close similarity in physical and chemical properties of the 4d and 5d-
series of the transition elements, much more than expected on the basis of usual
family relationship. Foreign 2010
30) Why is europium (II) more stable than cerium (II)? All India 2010

2 MARKS QUESTIONS:

1) Give reason:
(i) Ti3+ is coloured, whereas Sc3+ is colourless in aqueous solution.
(ii) Cr22+ is a strong reducing agent. Delhi 2020, All India 2022 (Term II)

2) Write the balanced ionic equations showing the oxidising action of acidified
dichromate (Cr2O72-) solution with (i) iron (II) ion (ii) tin (II) ion. All India 2020
3) Use the data to answer the following and also justify giving reason:
Cr Mn Fe Co

E◦(M2+/M) -0.91 -1.18 -0.44 -0.28

E◦(M3+/M2+) -0.41 -1.57 +0.77 +1.97

(i) Which is a stronger reducing agent in aqueous medium, Cr2+ or Fe2+ and
why?
(ii) Which is the most stable ion in +2 oxidation and why? All India 2019
4) When MnO2 is fused with KOH in the presence of KNO3 as an oxidising agent, it
gives a dark green compound (A). Compound (A) disproportionates in acidic
solution to give purple compound (B). An alkaline solution of compound (B)
oxidises KI to compound (C), whereas an acidified solution of compound (B)
oxidises KI to (D). Identify (A), (B), (C) and (D). Delhi 2019
5) Complete and balance the following chemical equations: CBSE 2018
(i) Fe + MnO4 + H →
2+ - +

(ii) MnO4- + H2O + I- →

6) When chromite ore, FeCrO4, is fused with NaOH in the presence of air, a yellow-
coloured compound (A) is obtained, which on acidification with dilute suphuric
acid gives a compound (B). Compound (B) on reaction with KCl forms an orange
coloured crystalline compound (C).
(i) Write the formulae of the compounds (A), (B) and (C).
(ii) Write one use of compound (C). Delhi 2016
7) Complete the following chemical equation
(i) 8MnO4-+ 3S2O42- + H2O →
(ii) Cr2O72- + 3Sn2+ + 14H+ → All India 2016
8) What are transition elements? Write two characteristics of the transition
elements. Delhi 2015
9) What is meant by ‘disproportionation’? Give an example of a disproportionation
reaction in aqueous solution? Delhi 2015C, All India 2011C
10) Suggest reasons for the following features of transition metal chemistry:
(i) The transition metals and their compounds are usually paramagnetic.
(ii) The transition metals exhibit variable oxidation states. Delhi 2015C
11) Describe the preparation of potassium permanganate. How does the acidified
permanganate solution react with oxalic acid? Write the ionic equations for the
reactions. All India 2015C
12) Describe the oxidising action of potassium dichromate and write the ionic
equations for its reactions with (i) iodide and (ii) H 2S. All India 2015C
13) Why do transition elements show variable oxidation states? In 3d series (Sc to
Zn), which element shows the maximum number of oxidation states and why?
Foreign 2015
14) Assign a reason for each of the following observations:
 (i) The transition metals (with the exception of Zn, Cd and Hg) are hard and
have high melting and boiling points.
(ii) The ionization enthalpies (first and second) in the first series of the
transition elements are found to vary irregularly. Delhi 2014C
15) Assign reason for each of the following:
(i) Transition elements exhibit paramagnetic behavior.
(ii) Co2+ is easily oxidized in the presence of a strong ligands. Delhi 2014C
16) Account for the following:
(i) Mn2+ is more stable than Fe2+ towards oxidation to +3 state.
(ii) The enthalpy of atomization is lowest for Zn in first series (3d) of the
transition elements. Delhi 2014
17) Describe the general trends in the following properties of the first series (3d) of the
transition elements:
(i) Number of oxidation states exhibited.
(ii) Formation of oxo metal ions. Delhi 2014C
18) Assign reasons for the following:
(i) Copper (I) ion is not known to exist in aqueous solutions.
(ii) Both O2 and F2 stabilise high oxidation states of transition metals but the
ability of oxygen to do so exceeds that of fluorine. All India 2014C
19) Assign reasons for the following:
(i) Transition metals and many of their compounds act as good catalysts.
(ii) Transition metals generally form coloured compounds. All India 2014C
20) Complete the following equations: Foreign 2014
(i) 2MnO4- + 5S2- + 16H+ →
(ii) Cr2O72- + 2OH- →
21) How would you account for the following? Delhi 2014C
(i) The highest oxidation state of a transition metal is usually exhibited in its
oxide.
(ii) The oxidising power of the following three oxo-ions in the series follows the
order:
VO2+< Cr2O72-< MnO4-
22) How would you account for the following? All India 2013
(i) Transition metals exhibit variable oxidation states.
(ii) Transition metals and their compounds act as catalysts.
23) Which metal in the first transition series (3d-series) exhibits +1 oxidation state
most frequently and why? Delhi 2013
24) Complete the following chemical equations: Delhi 2012, All India 2012
(i) Cr2O72- + I- + H+ →
(ii) MnO4- + NO2- + H+→

25) Explain the following observations: All India 2012

(i) Many of the transition elements are known to form interstitial compounds.
(ii) There is a general increase in density from titanium (Z = 22) to
 Copper (Z = 29).

26) Explain each of the following observations: All India 2012

(i) With the same d-orbital configuration (d4), Cr2+ is a reducing agent, while
Mn3+ is an oxidising agent.
(ii) There is hardly any increase in atomic size with increasing atomic numbers
in a series of transition metals.
27) Assign reasons for each of the following: Delhi 2011
(i) Transition metals generally form coloured compounds.
(ii) Manganese exhibits the highest oxidation state of +7 among the 3d-series of
transition elements.
28) Complete the following chemical equations: All India 2011, 2010
(i) MnO4 (aq) + S2O3 (aq) + H2O(l) →
- 2-

(ii) Cr2O72-(aq) + Fe2+(aq) + H+(aq) →

29) Explain giving a suitable reason for each of the following: All India 2011
(i) Transition metals and their compounds are generally found to be good
catalysts.
(ii) Metal-metal bonding is more frequent for the 4d and 5d-series transition
metals than that for the 3d-series.
30) Complete the following chemical reactions in the aqueous medium: Foreign 2011
(i) MnO4- + C2O42- + H+ →
(ii) Cr2O72- + H2S + H+ →
31) Complete the following chemical equations: Foreign 2011
(i) Fe3+ + I- →
(ii) CrO42- + H+ →
32) Write balance chemical equations of two reactions in which KMnO 4 acts as an
oxidising agent in the acidic medium. Delhi 2011C
33) Explain the following observations: Delhi 2010
(i) Generally, there is an increase in density of elements from titanium (Z = 22)
to copper (Z = 29) in the first series of transition elements.
(ii) Transition elements and their compounds are generally found to be good
catalysts in chemical reactions.
34) Explain the following observations: Delhi 2010
(i) Transition elements generally form coloured compounds.
(ii) Zinc is not regarded as a transition element.
35) Explain the following observations: All India 2010
(i) Among the divalent cations in the first series of transition elements,
manganese exhibits the maximum paramagnetism.
(ii) Cu+ ion is not known in aqueous solutions.

36) Account for the following: Delhi 2010C

(i) Cu+ ions are not stable in aqueous solutions.
(ii) Most of the transition metal ions exhibit paramagnetic behavior.
37) Account for the following: Delhi 2010C
(i) In the series Sc to Zn, the enthalpy of atomization of zinc is the lowest.
(ii) E◦ value for the Mn3+/Mn2+ couple is much more positive than that of
Cr3+/Cr2+.
38) Describe the preparation of Foreign 2010
(i) Potassium dichromate from sodium chromate and potassium chloride.
(ii) KMnO4 and K2MnO4.
39) What is lanthanoid contraction? What are its two consequences?
CBSE (2022 Term (II), Delhi 2014C, 2013C)
40) Write one similarity and one difference between the chemistry of lanthanoids and
that of acitnoids. Delhi 2020, All India 2015
41) Identify the following: 2018C
(i) Transition metals of 3d-series that exhibits the maximum number of
oxidation states.
(ii) An alloy consisting of approximately 95% lanthanoid metal used to produce
bullet, shell and lighter and flint.
42) What is lanthanoid contraction? What is its effect on the chemistry of the elements
which follow the lanthanoids? All India 2011
43) Write the electronic configuration of Ce3+ ion and calculate the magnetic moment
on the basis of spin-only formula. (Atomic number of Ce = 58) All India 2010C

3 MARK QUESTIONS:

1) Give reason: Delhi 2020

a) Zn, Cd and Hg are soft and have low melting points.
b) Write the preparation of the following:
(i) Na2Cr2O7 from Na2CrO4
(ii) K2MnO4 from MnO2
2) Explain the methods of preparation of sodium dichromate from chromite ore. Give
the equation representing oxidation of ferrous salts by dichromate ion.
Delhi 2020
3) Complete the following reactions: All India 2019
(i) MnO2 + KOH + O2 →
(ii) I- + MnO4- + H+→
(iii) Cr2O72- + Sn2+ + H+ →

4) Give reasons: CBSE 2018

(i) E value for Mn / Mn couple is much more positive than that for
◦ 3+ 2+

Fe3+/Fe2+.
(ii) Iron has higher enthalpy of atomization than that of copper.
(iii) Sc3+ is colourless in aqueous solution whereas Ti3+ is coloured.
5) (i) Complete the following equations: 2018C
a) 2MnO4 + 5 SO3 + 6H →
- 2- +

b) Cr2O72- + 6Fe2+ + 14H+ →

(ii) Based on the data, arrange Fe2+, Mn2+ and Cr2+ in the increasing order of
stability of +2 oxidation state.
E◦Fe3+/ Fe2+= +0.8V
E◦Cr3+ / Cr2+ =-0.4V
E◦Mn3+/ Mn2+ = +1.5V
6) Write the preparation of following: 2018C
(i) KMnO4 from K2MnO4
(ii) Na2CrO4 from FeCr2O4
(iii) Cr2O72- from CrO42-
7) (i) Account for the following: All India 2015
a) Cu+ is unstable in the aqueous solution.
b) Transition metals form complex compounds.
(ii) Complete the following equations:
Cr2O72- + 8H+ + 3NO2- →
8) (i) How would you account for the following Foreign 2015
a) Highest fluoride of Mn is MnF4, whereas the highest oxide is Mn2O7.
b) Transition metals and their compounds show catalytic properties.
(ii) Complete the following equations:
3MnO42- + 4H+ →
9) From the given data of E◦ values, answer the following questions: All India 2015
E◦(M2+/ M) Cr Mn Fe Co Ni Cu

-0.91 -1.18 -0.44 -0.28 -0.25 +0.34

(i) Why is E◦Cu2+/ Cuvalue exceptionally positive?

(ii) Why is E◦Mn2+/ Mnvalue highly negative as compared to other elements?
(iii) Which is a stronger reducing agent Cr2+ to Fe2+? Give reason.

10) Assign suitable reasons for the following: Foreign 2014

(i) The Mn2+ compounds are more stable than Fe2+towards oxidation to their +3
state.
(ii) In the 3d series from Sc (Z = 21) to Zn (Z = 30), the enthalpy of atomisation
of Zn is the lowest.
(iii) Sc3+ is colourless in aqueous solution, whereas Ti 3+ is coloured.

11) Complete the following chemical equations: Delhi 2013

(i) Cr2O72- + 6Fe2+ + 14H+ →
(ii) 2CrO42- + 2H+→
(iii) 2MnO4- + 5 C2O42- + 16H+ →
(iv)
12) Explain the following observations: Delhi 2012
(i) The enthalpies of atomization of transition elements are quite high.
(ii) There occurs much more frequent metal-metal bonding in compounds of
heavy transition metals. (i.e. 4d and 5d series).
(iii) Mn2+ is much more resistant than Fe2+ towards oxidation.
13) Complete the following chemical equations: Delhi 2011
(i) MnO4- + C2O42- + H+ →
Heat
(ii) KMnO4→
(iii) Cr2O72- + H2S + H+ →
14) How would you account for the following? Foreign 2011
(i) Metal-metal bonding is more extensive in the 4d and 5d series of transition
elements than 3d-series.
(ii) Mn (III) undergoes disproportionation reaction easily.
(iii) Co (II) is easily oxidized in the presence of strong ligands.
15) Explain the following: Foreign 2011
(i) Cu+ is not known in aqueous solution.
(ii) With same (d4) configuration, Cr (II) is reducing, whereas Mn (III) is
oxidising.
(iii) Transition metals in general act as good catalysts.
16) Compare the stability of +2 oxidation state for the elements of the first transition
series. (Atomic number of Sc = 21 to Cu = 29). Delhi 2011C
17) Describe the preparation of potassium permanganate from pyrolusite ore. Write
the ionic equation for the reaction that takes place between acidified KMnO 4
solution and iron (II) ions. Delhi 2010C
18) Account for the following: All India 2010C
(i) The enthalpies of atomization of the transition metals are high.
(ii) The lowest oxide of a transition metal is basic, the highest is amphoteric or
acidic.
(iii) Cobalt (II) is stable in aqueous solution but in the presence of complexing
agents, it is easily oxidized.
19) Give reasons for the following: Delhi 2019
(i) Transition elements and their compounds acts as catalysts.
(ii) E◦ value for (Mn2+/Mn) is negative, whereas for (Cu2+/Cu) is positive.
(iii) Actinoids show irregularities in their electronic configuration.
20) Give reasons for the following: Delhi 2019
(i) Transition metal form alloys.
(ii) Mn2O3 is basic, whereas Mn2O7 is acidic.
(iii) Eu2+ is a strong reducing agent.
21) Give reasons. All India 2015
(i) Mn shows the highest oxidation state of +7 with oxygen but with fluorine, it
shows the highest oxidation state of +4.
(ii) Transition metals show variable oxidation states.
(iii) Actinoids show irregularities in their electronic configurations.
22) (i) How would you account for the following? Delhi 2015
a) Actinoid contraction is greater than lanthanoid contraction.
b) Transition metals form coloured compounds.
(ii) Complete the following equation:
2MnO4- + 6H+ + 5NO2- →
23) Give reasons for the following: All India 2014C
(i) Transition metals exhibit a wide range of oxidation states.
(ii) Cobalt (II) is very stable in aqueous solutions but gets easily oxidized in the
presence of strong ligands.
(iii) Actinoids exhibit a greater range of oxidation states than lanthanoids.
24) Compare the chemistry of the actinoids with that of lanthanoids with reference to
the following:
(i) Electronic configuration.
(ii) Oxidation state.
(iii) Chemical reactivity. Delhi 2011C, 2010C

5 MARK QUESTIONS:

1) (i) Give reasons for the following: All India 2015

a) Mn shows the highest oxidation state of +7 with oxygen but with fluorine,
it shows the highest oxidation state of +4.
b) Cr2+ is a strong reducing agent.
c) Cu2+ salts are coloured, while Zn2+salts are white.
(ii) Complete the following equation:
∆
a) 2MnO2 + 4KOH + O2→
b) Cr2O72- + 14H+ + 6I- →
2) The elements of 3d transition series are given as: Delhi 2015
Sc Ti V Cr Mn Fe Co Ni Cu Zn
Answer the following:
(i) Write the element which shows maximum number of oxidation states. Give
reason.
(ii) Which element has the highest melting point?
(iii) Which element shows only +3 oxidation state/
(iv) Which element is a strong oxidising agent in +3 oxidation state and why?
3) (i) Complete the following equations: Delhi 2014
a) Cr2O7 + 2OH →
2- -

b) MnO4- + 4H+ + 3e- →

(ii) Account for the following:
a) Zn is not considered as a transition element.
b) Transition metals form a large number of complexes.
c) The E◦ value for Mn3+/Mn2+ couple is much more positive than that for
Cr3+/Cr2+ couple.
4) (i) Give reasons for the following: All India 2013
a) Mn is a good oxidising agent.
3+

b) E◦M2+/M values are not regular for first row transition metals 93d-series)
c) Although F is more electronegative than O, the highest Mn fluoride is
MnF4, whereas the highest oxide is Mn2O7.
(ii) Complete the following equations:
a) 2CrO42- + 2H+ →
Heat
b) KMnO4→

5) (i) Complete and balance the following chemical equations:

a) Cr2O72- + I- + H+ →
b) MnO4- + SO32- + H+ →
(ii) Explain the following observations:
a) Transition elements and their compounds are known to act as catalysts.
b) The higher oxidation states are usually exhibited by the members in the
middle of a series of transition elements.
c) The metal-metal bonding is more frequently found in the second and
third series of transition elements.

6) (i) Calculate the number of unpaired electrons in the following gaseous state
ions.
Mn3+ , Cr3+ , V3+ , Fe2+ . Which one of these is most stable in the aqueous
solutions? (Atomic number of V = 23, Cr = 24, Mn = 25, Fe =26)
(ii) Explain the following observations:
a) The transition metal ions are usually coloured in aqueous solutions.
b) Cu (I) ion is not stable in aqueous solutions.
c) The highest oxidation state of a transition metal is exhibited in its oxide
or fluoride. Foreign 2012

7) (i) Account for the following: All India 2011

a) The transition metals and many of their compounds act as good
catalysts.
b) The lowest oxide of transition metal is basic, whereas the highest is
amphoteric/acidic.
c) A transition metal exhibits higher oxidation states in oxides and
fluorides.
(ii) Describe the reactions involved in the preparation of K 2Cr2O7 from chromite
ore.

8) (i) Complete the following chemical equations: All India 2010

a) Cr2O72-(aq) + H2S(g) + H+(aq) →
b) Cu2+(aq) + I-(aq) →
(ii) How would you account for the following?
 a) The oxidising power of oxoanions are in the order
VO2+< Cr2O72-< MnO-4
b) The third ionization enthalpy of manganese (Z = 25) is exceptionally high.
c) Cr2+ is a stronger reducing agent than Fe2+.

9) (i) How does the acidified potassium permanganate solution react with
(a) iron (II) ions (b) oxalic acids? Write the ionic equations for the
reactions.
(ii) Name the oxo metal anion of one of the transition metals in which the metal
exhibits the oxidation state equal to the group number.
(iii) Accounts for the following:
a) Scandium (Z = 21) is regarded as a transition element but Zinc (Z = 30) is
not.
b) E◦M2+/M value for the copper is positive. All India 2010C
10) (i) Accounts for the following: All India 2010
a) Transition metals show variable oxidation states.
b) Zn, Cd and Hg are soft metals.
c) E◦ value for the Mn3+/Mn2+ couple is highly positive (+1.57V) as compared
to Cr3+/Cr2+.
(ii) Write one similarity and one difference between the chemistry of lanthanoid
and actinoid elements?
11) (i) a) How is the variability in oxidation states of transition metals different from
that of the p-block elements? Delhi 2017
b) Out of Cu+ and Cu2+, which ion is unstable in aqueous solutions and
why?
c) Orange colour of Cr2O72- ion changes to yellow when treated with an
alkali. Why?
(ii) Chemistry of actinoids is complicated as compared to lanthanoids. Give two
reasons.

12) (i) With reference to structural variability, chemical reactivity, write the difference
between the lanthanoids and actinoids.
(ii) Name a member of the lanthanoid series which is well known to exhinbit +4
oxidation state.
(iii) Complete the following equations:
MnO4- + 8H+ + 5e- →
(iv) Out of Mn3+ and Cr3+, which is more paramagnetic and why?
(Atomic number of Mn = 25, Cr = 24). Delhi 2014

13) (i) How do you prepare

a) K2MnO4 from MnO2?
b) Na2Cr2O7 from Na2CrO4 ?
 (ii) Account for the following:
a) Mn2+ is more stable than Fe2+ towards oxidation to +3 state.
b) The enthalpy of atomization is lowest for Zn in 3-series of the transition
elements.
c) Actinoid elements show wide range of oxidation states. Delhi 2014

14) (i) Name the element of 3d- transition series which shows maximum number of
oxidation states. Why does it show so?
(ii) Which transition metal of 3d-series has positive E◦M2+/M value and why?
(iii) Out of Cr3+ and Mn3+, which is a stronger oxidising agent and why?
(iv) Name a member of the lanthanoid series which is well known to exhibit +2
oxidation state.
(v) Complete the following equation:
MnO4- + 8H+ + 5e- → All India 2014

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