ROUTERA


Chapter 8 The d and f Block Elements

Class 12th Chemistry Chapter Case Study


Case Study 1: The Transition Elements and Their Properties

Case: The d-block elements (transition elements) are characterized by the presence of partially filled d-orbitals in their atoms or ions. They exhibit unique properties such as variable oxidation states, complex formation, and the ability to form colored compounds. Iron (Fe), copper (Cu), and zinc (Zn) are examples of transition elements. One of the distinguishing features of these elements is their ability to exhibit multiple oxidation states, with iron commonly existing in +2 and +3 oxidation states, copper in +1 and +2, and zinc only in the +2 oxidation state.

The transition elements form complexes with various ligands, and their compounds often display vibrant colors due to d-d transitions of electrons. This property is widely utilized in analytical chemistry and in the preparation of pigments and dyes.

Questions:

  1. Which of the following transition elements exhibits the highest number of oxidation states?

    • A) Copper (Cu)
    • B) Iron (Fe)
    • C) Zinc (Zn)
    • D) Manganese (Mn)
    • Answer: D) Manganese (Mn)
  2. The ability of transition elements to form colored compounds is due to:

    • A) The excitation of electrons in the outermost shell
    • B) The d-d transition of electrons
    • C) The absorption of visible light by ligands
    • D) The pairing of electrons in the d-orbitals
    • Answer: B) The d-d transition of electrons
  3. Which of the following is a common oxidation state of copper in its compounds?

    • A) +1
    • B) +2
    • C) +3
    • D) +4
    • Answer: B) +2
  4. Which of the following transition elements does not exhibit more than one oxidation state?

    • A) Copper (Cu)
    • B) Iron (Fe)
    • C) Zinc (Zn)
    • D) Chromium (Cr)
    • Answer: C) Zinc (Zn)

Case Study 2: The Lanthanides and Actinides

Case: The f-block elements consist of two series: the lanthanides (rare earth elements) and the actinides. The lanthanides include elements from lanthanum (La) to lutetium (Lu), and they are known for their high melting points and ability to form complex ions. They are commonly used in the production of strong permanent magnets, phosphors for color television tubes, and catalysts for petroleum refining. The actinides, which include elements from actinium (Ac) to lawrencium (Lr), are radioactive in nature, with uranium and thorium being well-known due to their use in nuclear energy production.

The chemistry of f-block elements is marked by their ability to form highly charged ions and their significant role in electronic and magnetic applications.

Questions:

  1. The lanthanides are primarily used in the manufacturing of:

    • A) Nuclear fuel
    • B) Magnets and phosphors
    • C) Medicine
    • D) Pesticides
    • Answer: B) Magnets and phosphors
  2. Which of the following is a characteristic property of actinides?

    • A) They are non-radioactive
    • B) They are highly reactive and radioactive
    • C) They are soft metals with low melting points
    • D) They do not form complexes
    • Answer: B) They are highly reactive and radioactive
  3. Which of the following is the most commonly used element for nuclear energy production?

    • A) Neptunium (Np)
    • B) Uranium (U)
    • C) Thorium (Th)
    • D) Plutonium (Pu)
    • Answer: B) Uranium (U)
  4. Which of the following is a common oxidation state of lanthanides?

    • A) +1
    • B) +2
    • C) +3
    • D) +4
    • Answer: C) +3

Case Study 3: The Chemistry of d-Block Elements and Complex Formation

Case: The transition elements are well known for their ability to form complex compounds with a variety of ligands, which are molecules or ions that can donate a pair of electrons to the central metal ion. The nature of these complexes depends on the metal ion's charge, the size of the metal ion, and the ligands involved. Common ligands include halides (Cl⁻, Br⁻), cyanides (CN⁻), and ammonia (NH₃).

Transition metals such as iron (Fe), cobalt (Co), and copper (Cu) form several important complexes, such as [Fe(CN)₆]⁴⁻, [Co(NH₃)₆]³⁺, and [CuCl₄]²⁻. These complexes play important roles in biological systems and industrial processes.

Questions:

  1. Which of the following ligands is most likely to form a complex with a transition metal ion?

    • A) Water (H₂O)
    • B) Chloride ion (Cl⁻)
    • C) Sodium ion (Na⁺)
    • D) Oxygen (O₂)
    • Answer: B) Chloride ion (Cl⁻)
  2. Which of the following transition metal ions is most likely to form a complex with ammonia (NH₃)?

    • A) Sodium (Na⁺)
    • B) Potassium (K⁺)
    • C) Copper (Cu²⁺)
    • D) Magnesium (Mg²⁺)
    • Answer: C) Copper (Cu²⁺)
  3. The color of transition metal complexes arises due to:

    • A) Electron transition between d-orbitals
    • B) Interaction of light with the ligand
    • C) The presence of excited electrons in the s-orbital
    • D) The arrangement of the d-orbitals
    • Answer: A) Electron transition between d-orbitals
  4. Which of the following is a characteristic of coordination compounds formed by transition elements?

    • A) High melting and boiling points
    • B) They do not conduct electricity in solutions
    • C) They form only monodentate ligands
    • D) They exhibit geometrical and optical isomerism
    • Answer: D) They exhibit geometrical and optical isomerism

Case Study 4: The Magnetic Properties of Transition Elements

Case: Transition metals are known for their unique magnetic properties. The magnetic behavior of these metals depends on the number of unpaired electrons in their d-orbitals. Elements with unpaired electrons exhibit paramagnetism, which means they are attracted to a magnetic field. In contrast, elements with all paired electrons exhibit diamagnetism, which means they are repelled by a magnetic field.

For example, iron (Fe) and copper (Cu) are paramagnetic, while zinc (Zn) is diamagnetic due to the pairing of electrons in its d-orbitals. The magnetic properties of these elements are often exploited in various technological applications, such as in the production of magnets and electrical devices.

Questions:

  1. Which of the following elements is paramagnetic due to the presence of unpaired electrons in its d-orbital?

    • A) Zinc (Zn)
    • B) Copper (Cu)
    • C) Cadmium (Cd)
    • D) Mercury (Hg)
    • Answer: B) Copper (Cu)
  2. The magnetic property of a transition metal depends on:

    • A) The number of protons in the nucleus
    • B) The presence of unpaired electrons in the d-orbitals
    • C) The atomic mass
    • D) The charge on the metal ion
    • Answer: B) The presence of unpaired electrons in the d-orbitals
  3. Which of the following transition metal ions is diamagnetic?

    • A) Fe²⁺
    • B) Fe³⁺
    • C) Zn²⁺
    • D) Cu²⁺
    • Answer: C) Zn²⁺
  4. Which of the following statements is correct regarding the magnetic properties of transition elements?

    • A) Transition elements are always paramagnetic.
    • B) Transition elements are always diamagnetic.
    • C) The magnetic properties of transition elements are due to their d-orbital electron configuration.
    • D) Transition elements do not exhibit magnetic properties.
    • Answer: C) The magnetic properties of transition elements are due to their d-orbital electron configuration.

Case Study 5: The Chemistry of Transition Metal Catalysts

Case: Transition metals play a crucial role as catalysts in many industrial and biological processes. Their ability to exhibit multiple oxidation states and form complexes with various ligands makes them ideal candidates for catalytic reactions. For example, iron (Fe) is used as a catalyst in the Haber process to synthesize ammonia, while nickel (Ni) is used in hydrogenation reactions in organic chemistry.

The catalytic properties of transition metals are also attributed to their ability to form intermediate complexes, which lower the activation energy of the reaction. This makes these metals highly efficient in speeding up chemical reactions without being consumed in the process.

Questions:

  1. Which of the following transition metals is used as a catalyst in the Haber process?

    • A) Copper (Cu)
    • B) Iron (Fe)
    • C) Platinum (Pt)
    • D) Manganese (Mn)
    • Answer: B) Iron (Fe)
  2. The catalytic properties of transition metals arise due to their ability to:

    • A) React with only one specific reactant
    • B) Form intermediate complexes that lower activation energy
    • C) Act as reducing agents
    • D) Oxidize reactants during the reaction
    • Answer: B) Form intermediate complexes that lower activation energy
  3. Which of the following transition metals is commonly used in hydrogenation reactions?

    • A) Iron (Fe)
    • B) Nickel (Ni)
    • C) Zinc (Zn)
    • D) Manganese (Mn)
    • Answer: B) Nickel (Ni)
  4. In the context of catalysis, the role of transition metals is primarily to:

    • A) Increase the energy of the reactants
    • B) Increase the speed of the reaction without being consumed
    • C) Change the reactants into new compounds
    • D) Absorb energy during the reaction
    • Answer: B) Increase the speed of the reaction without being consumed