Which property is characteristic of transition metals and their compounds?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: A. They form coloured compounds and show more than one oxidation state
- Step 1: Transition metals have partially filled d orbitals.
- Step 2: This gives them variable oxidation states and coloured compounds, for example iron(II) and iron(III).
Answer
They form coloured compounds and show more than one oxidation state.
Why not the others: They form colourless compounds with a single oxidation state: is typical of Group 1 and Group 2 metals. They have low melting points and are soft: is typical of Group 1 metals. They are very reactive with cold water: is typical of Group 1 metals.
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