Why are transition elements hard and do they possess high melting and boiling points?

Vedclass pdf generator app on play store
Vedclass iOS app on app store
(N/A) In transition elements,the strength of the metallic bonds depends on the number of unpaired electrons. The greater the number of unpaired electrons in the $(n-1)d$ subshell,the stronger the metallic bonding and the greater the bond strength. This increases the hardness of the metal.
The high melting points of these elements are due to strong metallic bonds between the atoms,which exhibit significant covalent character. Consequently,a large amount of energy is required to break these bonds to melt the metals.
Within a period,the melting points of transition elements generally increase with the number of unpaired electrons in the $(n-1)d$ subshell. For instance,in the first transition series,chromium $(d^5)$ has a high melting point and is a hard metal due to its maximum number of unpaired electrons.
After the middle of the series,the electrons begin to pair up,which results in a decrease in the strength of the metallic bonds. Hence,the melting points start to decrease.
Elements like $Zn$,$Cd$,and $Hg$ are soft and volatile because they have no unpaired electrons in their $(n-1)d$ subshell,leading to weak metallic bonding and low melting points.

Explore More

Similar Questions

Which of the following sets correctly represents the increase in the paramagnetic property of the ions?

Which of the following statements are correct about $Zn, Cd$ and $Hg$?
$A$. They exhibit high enthalpy of atomization as the d-subshell is full.
$B$. $Zn$ and $Cd$ do not show variable oxidation state while $Hg$ shows $+I$ and $+II$.
$C$. Compounds of $Zn, Cd$ and $Hg$ are paramagnetic in nature.
$D$. $Zn, Cd$ and $Hg$ are called soft metals.
Choose the most appropriate from the options given below:

In the electronic configuration of which of the following elements is an electron arranged in the $5d$ orbital?

Identify the incorrect statement among the following:

Which of the following metals does not show variable valency?

Vedclass Products

For Students

Vedclass Test Series

Mock tests in real JEE/NEET style with performance analysis. 5-day free trial.

Start Free Trial
For Teachers

Exam Paper Generator

Generate Set A/B/C/D exam papers from 7.5L+ questions in 2 minutes. 3 chapters free.

Try Free
For Institutes

Online Exam Module

Live online exams with unlimited students, 360° analytics & white-label branding.

See Demo