Question

Which of the following contributes MOST to the malleability shown by transition elements? A. Natural softness as compared to other metals B. High electrical conductivity C. Loosely held d-electrons D. High melting points

Short answer

Loosely held d-electrons (C)

Step-by-step solution

Understand malleability

Malleability is the ability of a metal to be hammered or rolled into thin sheets without breaking.

Define transition elements

Transition elements are those found in the central block of the periodic table, specifically groups 3-12.

Identify properties of transition elements

Transition elements typically have high melting points, high electrical conductivity, and exhibit various oxidation states. They also have loosely held d-electrons.

Analyze each option

Evaluate which property most contributes to malleability:A: Natural softness – This does not uniquely describe transition metals.B: High electrical conductivity – This is related to electron mobility but not directly to malleability.C: Loosely held d-electrons – These allow atoms to slide past each other, increasing malleability.D: High melting points – A high melting point indicates strong bonds, but doesn't affect malleability directly.

Determine the best answer

Loosely held d-electrons enable atoms to move more freely past one another, enhancing malleability. Therefore, C is the correct answer.

Key concepts

transition elements

Transition elements are a group of metals located in the central block of the periodic table, specifically in groups 3-12. These elements include well-known metals such as iron, copper, and gold. The main characteristics of transition elements include:

• High melting points
• High electrical conductivity
• Varied oxidation states
• Presence of partially filled d-orbitals

One of the most interesting properties of transition elements is their ability to form colorful compounds due to the d-electrons. They also display high levels of hardness and strength. To understand why these metals are such excellent conductors of electricity and heat, you need to look no further than their d-electrons.

malleability

Malleability describes the ability of a metal to be hammered or rolled into thin sheets without breaking. Metals that are malleable can be shaped and deformed without cracking. This property is highly desirable in many industrial applications, such as the manufacturing of car bodies, aircraft panels, and many household items.
Transition elements, known for their exceptional malleability, owe this property mainly to the behavior of their d-electrons. The d-electrons in transition metals are loosely held, allowing layers of atoms to slip past each other easily. This slippage occurs without breaking the metallic bonds that hold the material together, thus maintaining the metal’s integrity even under stress. It’s important to note that being malleable doesn't make the metal weak. In fact, many transition metals are both strong and malleable. This combination makes them incredibly useful in various structural applications.

d-electrons

D-electrons are the electrons present in the d-orbital of an atom. In transition elements, these d-electrons play a significant role in their chemical and physical properties:

• Their ability to move freely allows the metal atoms to slide past each other under stress, contributing to the malleability of the metal.
• The presence of d-electrons can lead to varied oxidation states, enabling transition metals to form multiple types of chemical bonds.
• D-electrons are responsible for the formation of colorful compounds often seen in transition metal complexes.

Because d-electrons are not tightly bound to the nucleus, they can move more freely within the metallic structure. This mobility enhances several properties, including electrical conductivity, and importantly, malleability. In conclusion, it is the loosely held d-electrons that most contribute to the malleability of transition elements, enabling them to maintain their structural integrity under mechanical stress.