Moderate

The melting points and boiling points up to the middle of 3d series:

Correct answer: A. Increases

  • A. Increases
  • B. Decreases
  • C. Remain the same
  • D. No regular trend

Explanation

The melting points and boiling points of the 3d transition metals increase up to the middle of the series and then decrease.This is because the 3d transition metals have a characteristic electronic configuration of (n-1)d1-10ns1. The number of unpaired electrons increases from 2 in Sc to 5 in Mn, and then decreases from 6 in Fe to 2 in Zn.The melting points and boiling points of a metal are determined by the strength of the metallic bonding between the atoms. The stronger the metallic bonding, the higher the melting point and boiling point.The metallic bonding in the 3d transition metals is strongest when the number of unpaired electrons is high. This is because the unpaired electrons can form stronger bonds with the other atoms.Therefore, the melting points and boiling points of the 3d transition metals increase up to the middle of the series, when the number of unpaired electrons is highest. After that, the number of unpaired electrons decreases, and the melting points and boiling points also decrease.

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About Transition Elements

Transition elements are identified by their partially filled d subshells in atoms or common ions. The topic covers the electronic structure of d-block elements, including the filling order of 4s and 3d orbitals, variable oxidation states and the distinction between transition elements and elements with completely filled d subshells.

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