Assignment No – 2
d & f – Block Elements


Que 1. Cu+ is not stable in aqueous solution. Why?

Que 2. Which is a stronger reducing agents Cr2+ or Fe2+ and why?

Que 3. Arrange the following increasing order of acidic character: CrO3, CrO , 

Que 4. Calculate the 'spin only' magnetic moment of M2+(aq) ion. (Z=27)

Que 5. Why do Zr and Hf exhibit almost similar properties?

Que 6. Why are Zn, Cd and Hg not regarded as transition elements?

Que 7. What are alloys? Name one important alloy which contains some of the lanthanoid metals. Mention its use.

Que 8. La(OH)3 is a stronger base than Lu(OH)3. Why?

Que 9.   Lanthanoids form primarily +3 ions, while the actinoids usually have higher oxidation states in their compounds, +4 or even +6 being typical.

Que 10. What is meant by the term lanthanoid contraction? What is it due to and what consequences does it have on the chemistry of elements following lanthanoids in the periodic table?

Que 11. Compare lanthanoids and actinoids with reference to their: a. Electronic configuration of atoms b. Oxidation states of elements c. General chemical reactivity of elements.
Ans 11.

Que 12. How would you account for the following?
a. Mn(III) undergoes disproportionation reaction easily.
b. Co(II) is easily oxidized in the presence of strong ligands.

Q. 13 Give reasons for the following:
i) First ionisation energies of 5d elements are higher than those of 3d and 4d elements.
ii) Actinoid contraction is greater from element to element than lanthanoid contraction.

Que 14. Explain the following observations about the transition/inner transition elements:
i) There is, in general an increase in density of element from titanium (Z=22) to copper (Z=29). ii) There occurs much more frequent metal‐metal bonding in compounds of heavy transition elements (3rd series).
iii) The greatest number of oxidation states are exhibited by the members in the middle of a transition series.

Q 15: Assign reasons for the following:
a) The enthalpies of atomization of transition elements are high.
b) The transition metals and many of their compounds act as good catalysts.
c) There is a gradual decrease in the atomic sizes of transition elements in a series with increasing atomic number.
d) The transition elements have great tendency for complex formation.
e) Transition metals generally form coloured compounds.