Moderate

Zinc does not show variable oxidation state, because

Correct answer: B. Its d-subshell is complete

  • A. Its d-subshell is incomplete.
  • B. Its d-subshell is complete
  • C. It is relatively soft metal
  • D. It has two electrons in outermost shell

Explanation

30Zn 18[Ar] 4s2 3d10 Zn+2 18[Ar] 4s° 3d10 Zinc (Zn) has a completely filled d-subshell (3d10) in its electronic configuration. This means it has achieved a stable electronic configuration, which makes it less likely to lose or gain electrons to form different oxidation states. As a result zinc primarily exhibits a +2 oxidation state in its compounds and does not show a wide range of variable oxidation states like some other transition metals.

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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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