Exams › NEET › Chemistry
Sc (Z = 21) is a transition element but Zn (Z = 30) is not because:
- both Sc and Zn do not exhibit variable oxidation states
- both Sc³⁺ and Zn²⁺ ions are colourless and form white compounds
- in case of Sc, 3d orbitals are partially filled but in Zn these are completely filled
- last electron is assumed to be added to 4s level in case of Zn
Correct answer: in case of Sc, 3d orbitals are partially filled but in Zn these are completely filled
Solution
Scandium (Sc) has a partially filled 3d orbital (3d¹), which qualifies it as a transition element. Zinc (Zn), however, has a completely filled 3d orbital (3d¹⁰), disqualifying it from being a transition element.
Related NEET Chemistry questions
⚔️ Practice NEET Chemistry free + battle 1v1 →