Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

Q. 1 Electronic configuration of a transition element Xin +3 oxidation state is

[Ar]3d. What is its atomic number?
(a) 25 (b) 26 (c) 27 (d) 24
Ans. (b) Electronic configuration of X3* is [Ar]3d5
It repersents the total number of e and oxidation state.
Therefore, atomic number of X = 18+ 5+3= 26
Hence, option (b) is correct.

Q.2 The electronic configuration of Cu(lI) is 34° where as that of Cu(I) is 3d20.
Which of the following is correct?
(a) Cu(ll) is more stable
(b) Cu(l) is less stable
(c) Cu(l) and Cu(ll) are equally stable
(d) Stability of Cu(l) and Cu(l) depends on nature of copper salts
Ans. (a) Cu(ll) is more stable than Cu(). As it is known that, Cu(l) has 3d° stable configuration
while Cu() has 3d configuration. But Cu(ll) is more stable due to greater effective
nuclear charge of Cu(ll) i.e., it hold 17 electrons instead of 18 in Cu()

Q.3 Metallic radii of some transition elements are given below. Which of these
elements will have highest density?
Element Fe Cu

Metallic radi/pm 126 125 125 128

(a) Fe (b) Ni (c) Co (d) Cu

Ans. (d) On moving left to right along period, metallic radius decreases while mass increases.
Decrease in metallic radius coupled with increase in atomic mass results in increase in
density of metal.
Hence, among the given four choices Cu belongs to right side of Periodic Table in
transition metal, and it has highest density (89 g/cm).

154 NCERT Exemplar (Class XII) Solutions

Q. 4 Generally, transition elements form coloured salts due to the presence of

unpaired electrons. Which of the following compounds will be coloured in
solid state?
(a) Ag,SO, (b) CuF (c) Znf (d) Cu,Cl,
Ans. (b) Transition elements form coloured salt due to the presence of unpaired electrons. In
CuF,, Cu(l) contain one unpaired electron hence, Cuf, is coloured in solid state.

Q. 5 On addition of small amount of KMn0, to concentrated H,S0,, a green oily

compound is obtained which is highly explosive in nature. Identify the
compound from the following.
(a) Mn,O, (b) MnO, (c) MnSO, (d) Mn,O,
Ans. (a) On addition of KMnO, to concentrated H,SO,, a green oily compound Mn,0, is
obtained which is highly explosive in nature.
2KMnO, + 2H,SO,(Conc. )- ’ Mn,0,+ 2KHSO, +H,0

Q. 6The magnetic nature of elements depends on the presence of unpaired

electrons. Identify the configuration of transition element, which shows
highest magnetic moment.
(a) 3d (b) 3d5 (c) 3d8 (d) 3d2
Thinking Process
This problem is based on calculation of magnetic moment can be done as
Magnetic moment (u) =/nn+ 2) BM.
Ans. (b) Greater the number of unpaired electron, higher will be its value of magnetic moment.
Since, 3d has 5 unpaired electrons hence highest magnetic moment.
H=55+2)
 Q.6 The magnetic nature of elements depends on the presence of unpaired
electrons. Identify the configuration of transition element, which shows
highest magnetic moment.
(a) 3d7 (b) 3d5 (c) 3d8 (d) 3d?
Thinking Process
This problem is based on calculation of magnetic moment can be done as
Magnetic moment (u) =nn+ 2) BAM.
Ans. (b) Greater the number of unpaired electron, higher will be its value of magnetic moment.
Since, 3d has 5 unpaired electrons hence highest magnetic moment.
H=55+2)
= V35
= 595BM

Q.7 Which of the following oxidation state is common for all lanthanoids?
(a) +2 (b) +3 (c) +4 (d) +5
Ans, (b) Lanthanoids show common oxidation state of +3. Some of which also show +2 and +4
stable oxidation state alongwith +3 oxidation state.These are shown by those elements
which by losing 2 or 4 electrons acquire a stable configuration of f°, f or f,e.g.
Eu?* is [Xej4f", Yb² is [Xej44, Ce4* is [Xej4r0 and Tb is (Xej4/7.

Q.8 Which of the following reactions are disproportionation reactions?

(i) Cu ’ Cu2* + Cu
(ii) 3Mn0; +4H* ’ 2Mn0, + Mn0, +2H,0
(ii) 2KMn0, ’ K,Mn0, + Mn0 +0z
(iv) 2MnO, +3Mn* +2H,0 ’ 5Mn0, +4H*
(a) (i) (b)(i), (ü) and (i) (c) (ii), (ii) and (iv) (d) (i) and (iv)

d and f-Block Elements 155

Ans. (a)The reaction in which oxidation as well as reduction, occur upon same atom
simultaneously is known as disproportionation reaction.
I Oxidation
’ Cu2 + Cu
Cu
Reduction

Q.9 When KMn0, solution is added to oxalic acid solution, the decolourisation
is slow in the beginning but becomes instantaneous after some time because
(a) CO, is formed as the product (b) reaction is exothermic
(c) MnO, catalyses the reaction (d) Mn* acts as autocatalyst
Ans. (d) When KMnO, solution is added to Oxalic acid solution, the decolourisation is slow in
the beginning but becomes instantaneous after some time because Mn acts as
autocatalyst.
Reduction half MnO, + 8H + 5e ’Mn2+
+ 4H,0] x 2
Oxidation half C,0 ’200, + 2e ]x5
Overall equation
2MnO, + 16H* + 5C,0 ’ 2Mn + 10CO, + 8H,0
End point of this reaction Colourless to light pink

Q. 10 There are 14 elements in actinoid series. Which of the following

elements does not belong to this series?
(a) U (b) Np (c) Tm (d) Fm
Ans. (c) Tm(Z = 69) do not belong to actinoid series. The actinoid series is with atomic numbers
90 to 103. Thulium (Tm) has atomic number 69 belongs to lanthanoids (4f series).
Q. 11 KMn0, acts as an oxidising agent in acidic medium. The number of moles
of KMn0, that will be needed to react with one mole of sulphide ions in
acidic solution is

Ans. The reaction of KMnO, in which it acts as an oxidising agent in acidic medium is
2KMnO, + 3H,SO, ’ K,SO, + 2MnSO, + 3H,0 + 5[0]
HS Slx5
Q. 12 Which of the following is amphoteric oxide?
Mn,0,, Cro,, Cr0,. Cro, V,0,, V,0,
(a) V,O,CrO, (b) Mn,O, CrO,
(c) CrO, V,O, (d) V,05, V,O4
Ans. (a) V,0, and Cr,0, are amphoteric oxide because both react with alkalies as well as
acids.
Note In lower oxides, the basic character is predominant while in higher oxides, the acidic
character is predominant.

156 NCERT Exemplar (Class XII) Solutions

Q. 13 Gadolinium belongs to 4f series. Its atomic number is 64. Which of the

following is the correct electronic configuration of gadolinium?
(a) [Xe<4f'5d'6s? (b) [Xe<4f b5d'6s
(c) [Xe<4f86d? (d) Xej4f°5s!
Ans. (a) Gadolinium belongs to 4f series and has atomic number 64. The correct electronic
configuration ofgadolinium is
64 Gd sXej4f"5d'6s?
It has extra stability due to half-filled 4f subshell.

Q. 14 Interstitial compounds are formed when small atoms are trapped inside
the crystal lattice of metals. Which of the following is not the
characteristic property of interstitial compounds?
(a) They have high melting points in comparison to pure metals
(b) They are very hard
(c) They retain metallic conductivity
(d) The are chemically very reactive
Ans. (d) Interstitial compounds are formed when small atoms are trapped inside the crystal
lattice of metals. Some of their important characteristics are as follows
() They are very hard and rigid.
(üi) They have high melting point which are higher than those of the pure metals.
(ii) They show conductivity like that of the pure metal.
(iv) They acquire chemical inertness.

Q. 15 The magnetic moment is associated with its spin angular momentum and
orbital angular momentum. Spin onty magnetic moment value of Cr* ion
js
(a) 2.87 BM (b) 3.87 BM
(c) 3.47 BM (d) 3.57 BM
Ans. (b) The magnetic moment is associated with its spin angular momentum and orbital
angular momentum.
Spin only magnetic moment value of Cr ion is 3 d
Hence, magnetic moment 4) =Jnn+ 2) BM
=3(3 +2) =/15
= 387BM

Q. 16 KMn0, acts as an oxidising agent in alkaline medium. When alkaline

KMn0, is treated with KI, iodide ion is oxidised to
(a) I, (b) IO
(c) IO, (d) IO,
Ans. (c) KMnO, acts as an oxidising agent in alkaline medium. When alkaline KMnO, is treated
with KI, iodide ion is oxidised to IO,.
Reaction 2KMnO, + H0+ KI’ 2MnO, + 2KOH+ KIO,
or. I +60H ’ 10; + 3H,0 + 6e
d and f-Block Elements 157

Q. 17 Which of the following statements is not correct?

(a) Copper liberates hydrogen from acids
(b) In its higher oxidation states, manganese forms stable compounds with oxygen
and fluorine
(c) Mn and Co* are oxidising agents in aqueous solution
(d) Ti and Cr are reducing agents in aqueous solution
Ans. (a) Copper lies below hydrogen in the electrochemical series and hence does not liberate
H, from acids. Therefore, option (a) is not correct.
Other three options (b, c, d) are correct.

Q. 18 When acidified K,Cr,0, solution is added to Sn salt then Snchanges

to
(a) Sn (b) Sn+
(c) Sn+ (d) Sn*
Ans. (e) When acidified K,Cr,0, solution is added to Sn salts then Sn changes to Sn.
The reaction is given below
Oxidation
Cr,°o + 14H" + 3Sn? ’ 20r3 3Sn + 7H,O
Reduction

Q. 19 Highest oxidation state of manganese in fluoride is +4 (MnF) but

highest oxidation state in oxides is +7(Mn,0,) because
(a) fluorine is more electronegative than oxygen
(b) fluorine does not possess d orbitals
(c) fluorine stabilises lower oxidation state
(d) in covalent compounds, fluorine can form single bond only while oxygen forms
double bond
Ans. (d) Highest oxidation state of manganese in fluoride is +4(MnF,) but highest oxidation
state in oxides is +7(Mn,0,) The reason is that in covalent compounds fluorine can
form single bond while oxygen forms double bond.

Q. 20 Although zirconium belongs to 4d transition series and hafniun to 5d

transition series even then they show similar physical and chemical
properties because
(a) both belong to d-block
(b) both have same number of electrons
(c) both have similar atomic radius
(d) both belong to the same group of the Periodic Table
Ans. (c) Due to lanthanoide contraction, Zr and Hf possess nearly same atomic and ionic radii
ie., Zr 160 pm and Hf = 159 pm, Zr* = 79 pm and Hf** = 78 pm. Therefore, these
two elements show similar properties (physical and chemical properties).

158 NCERT Exemplar (Class XI) Solutions

Q. 21 Why is HCl not used to make the medium acidic in oxidation reactions of
KMn0, in acidic medium?
(a) Both HCI and KMnO, act as oxidising agents
(b) KMnO, oxidises HCl into Cl, which is also an oxidising agent
(c) KMnO, is a weaker oxidising agent than HCI
(d) KMnO, acts as a reducing agent in the presence of HCI
Ans. (b) HCl is not used to make the medium acidic in oxidation reactions of KMnO, in acidic
medium. The reason is that if HCI is used, the oxygen produced from KMnO, + HCl is
partly utilised in oxidising HCI to Cl, which itself acts as an oxidising agent and partly
Oxidises the reducing agent.
Q. 32 Why does copper not replace hydrogen from acids?
Ans. Copper not replace hydrogen from acids because Cu has positive E° value, i.e., less
reactive than hydrogen which has electrode potential 0.00V.

Q. 33 Why E values for Mn, Ni and Zn are more negative than expected?
Ans. Negative values of Mn and Zn are related to stabilities of half-filled and completely
filled configuration respectively. But for Ni, E° value is related to the highest negative
enthalpy of hydration.
Hence, ES values for Mn, Ni and Zn are more negative than expected.

Q. 34 Why first ionisation enthalpy of Cr is lower than that of Zn?

Ans. lonisation enthalpy of Cr is less than that of Zn because Cr has stable d configuration. In
case of zinc, electron comes out from completely filled 4s-orbital. So, removal of electron
from zinc requires more energy as compared to the chromium.

Q. 35 Transition elements show high melting points. Why?

Ans. Transition elements show high melting point, due to involvement of greater number of
electrons in the interatomic bonding from (n-1) d-orbitals in addition to ns electrons in
forming metallic bond. Thus, large number of electrons participate forming large number of
metallic bond.

Q. 36 When Cu ion is treated with KI, a white precipitate is formed. Explain

the reaction with the help of chemical equation.
Ans. When Cu? ion is treated with KI it produces Cu,, white precipitate in the final product.
2Cu + 4T
(White ppt.)

(In this reaction, Cu, is formed which being unstable, dissociates into Cu, I, and L,).

Q. 37 0ut of Cu,Cl, and CuCl,, which is more stable and why?

Ans. Among Cu,Cl, and CuCI,, CuCI, is more stable. Stability of complex can be explained on
the basis of stability of oxidation state of copper. Stability of Cu (ag) rather than Cut (ag) is
due to much more negative value of AHof Cu (ag)) than Cut which more than
compensates for the second ionisation enthalpy of Cu
Q. 38 When a brown compound of manganese (A) is treated with HCL it gives a
gas B). The gas taken in excess, reacts with NH, to give an explosive
compound (c). Identify compounds A, Band C.
Thinking Process
This problen is based on the properties of MnO, and preparation of NCI
Ans, MnO, is the brown compound of Mn which reacts with HCI to give Cl, gas. This gas forms
an explosive compound NCI, when treated with NH,. Thus, A= MnO,: B=Clz: C = NCI,
and reactions are as follows
(i) MnO, + 4HCI MnCi, +C, + 2H,0
[A (B]
(i) NH, + 3C1, ’ NCI, + 3HCI
(Excess ) CI

162 NCERT Exemplar (Class X) Solutions

Q. 39 Although fluorine is more electronegative than oxygen, but the ability

of oxygen to stabilise higher oxidation states exceeds that of fluorine.
Why?
Ans. Oxygen can form multiple bonds with metals, while fluorine can't form multiple bond with
metals. Hence, oxygen has more ability to stabilize higher oxidation state rather than
fluorine.

Q. 40 Although Cr* and Co* ions have same number of unpaired electrons
but the magnetic moment of Cr3 is 3.87 BM and that of Co2* is
4.87 BM, Why?
Ans, Magnetic moment of any metal ion can be decided on the basis of spin as well as orbital
contribution of electron. Due to symmetrical electronic configuration, there is no orbital
contribution in Cr ion. However, appreciable orbital contribution takes place in Co* ion.

Q. 41 Ionisation enthalpies of Ce, Pr and Nd are higher than Th, Pa and U. Why?
Ans. Ce, Pr and Nd are lanthanoids and have incomplete 4f shell while Th, Pa andUare
actinoids and have 5f shell incomplete.
In the beginning. when 5-orbitals begin to be occupied, they will penetrate less into the
inner core of electrons. The 5f-electrons will therefore. be more effectively shielded from the
Q. 41 Ionisation enthalpies of Ce, Pr and Nd are higher than Th, Pa and U. Why?
Ans. Ce, Pr and Nd are lanthanoids and have incomplete 4f shell while Th, Pa and Uare
actinoids and have 5f shell incomplete.
In the beginning, when 5f-orbitals begin to be occupied, they will penetrate less into the
inner core of electrons. The 5f-electrons will therefore, be more effectively shielded from the
nuclear charge than 4f electrons of the corresponding lanthanoids.
Therefore, outer electrons are less firmly held and they are available for bonding in the
actinoids.

Q. 42 Although Zr belongs to 4d and Hf belongs to 5d transition series but it is

quite difficult to separate them, Why?
Ans. Separation of Zr and Hf are quite difficult because of lanthanoid contraction. Due to
lanthanoid contraction, they have almost same size (Zr = 160 pm and Hf = 159 pm) and
thus, similar chemical properties. That's why it is very difficult to separate them by chemical
methods.

Q. 43 Although +3 oxidation states is the characteristic oxidation state of

lanthanoids but cerium shows +4 oxidation state also. Why?
Ans. It is due to the fact that after losing one more electron Ce acquires stable 4f° electronic
configuration. So, Ce shows +4 Oxidation state also alongwith +3 oxidation state.

Q. 44 Explain why does colour of KMn0, disappear when oxalic acid is added
to its solution in acidic medium?
Ans. When oxalic acid is added to acidic solution of KMnO4, its colour disappear due to
reduction of Mn0, ion to Mn. Chemical reaction occurring during this neutralisation
reaction is as follows
50,0 + 2MnO, + 16H ’ 2Mn + 8H,0 + 10CO,
(Coloured) (Cclourless)

d and f-Block Elements 163

Q. 45 When orange solution containing Cr,0 ion is treated with an alkali, a

yellow solution is formed and when H ions are added to yellow solution,
an orange solution is obtained. Explain why does this happen?
Ans. When orange solution containing Cr,0 ion is treated with an alkali, a yellow solution of
OH Cro,2
CrO, is obtained. On the same way. Cr,0, H
Dischromate Chromate
(orange) (yellow)
when H ions are added to yellow solution, an orange solution is obtained due to
interconversion.

Q. 46 Asolution of KMn0, on reduction yields either a colourless solution or a

brown precipitate or a green solution depending on pH of the solution.
What different stages of the reduction do these represent and how are
they carried out?
Ans. Oxidising behaviour of KMnO, depends on pH of the solution.
In acidic medium (pH < 7)
MnO, + 8H* + 5e Mn? + 4H,0
Colouriess
In alkaline medium (pH > 7)
MnO, +e ’MnO?
(Green)
In neutral medium (pH = 7)
MnO, + 2H,0 + 3e MnO, + 40H
(Brown pp)

Q. 47 The second and third rows of transition elements resemble each other
much more than they resemble the first row. Explain, why?
Ans. Due to lanthanoid contraction, the atomic radii of the second and third row transition
elements almost same. So, they resemble each other much more as compared to first
row elements and show similar character.

0, 48ES of Cu is +0.34V while that of Zn is -0.76 V. Explain.

Q. 48 ES of Cu is +0.34V while that of Zn is -0.76 V. Explain.
Ans, ES value of Cu is positive because of the fact that sum of sublimation enthalpy and
ionisation enthalpy to convert Cu(s) to Cu (aq) is so high that it is not compensate by its
hydration enthalpy. E value for Zn is negative because of the fact that after removal of
electrons from 4s orbital, stable 3d'° configuration is obtained.

Q. 49 The halides of transition elements become more covalent with increasing

oxidation state of the metal. Why?
Thinking Process
This problem is based on concept of Fajan's rule and its application.
Ans, As the oxidation state increases, size of the ion of transition element decreases. As per
Fajan's rule, as the size of metal ion decreases, covalent character of the bond formed
increases.
Therefore, the halide of transition elements become more covalent with increasing oxidation
state of the metal.

164 NCERT Exemplar (Class XI) Solutions

Q. 50 While filling up of electrons in the atomic orbitals, the 4s orbital is filled

before the 3d orbital but reverse happens during the ionisation of the
atom. Explain why?
Ans. During filling up of electrons folow (n+ ) rule. Here 4s has lower energy than 3d orbital.
After the orbitals are filled 4s goes beyond 3d, i.e., 4s is farther from nucleus than 3d. So,
electron from 4s is removed earlier than from 3d.

Q. 51 Reactivity of transition elements decreases almost regularly from Se to

Cu. Explain.
Ans. Reactivity of transition elements depends mostly upon their ionisation enthalpies. As we
move from left to right in the periodic table (Se to Cu), ionisation enthalpies increase
almost regularly.
Hence, their reactivity decreases almost regularly from Se to Cu.

Matching The Columns

Q. 52 Match the catalysts given in Column I with the processes given in
Column II.
Column I Column ll
(Catalyst) (Process)
A Ni in the presence of hydrogen Ziegler-Natta catalyst
B Cu,Ci, 2 Contact process
V,o, 3. Vegetable oil to ghee
Finely divided iron 4 Sandmeyer reaction
TiCI, + Al(CH, ), 5 Haber's process
6. Decomposition of KClO,
Ans. A. ’ (3) B. ’ (4) C. ’(2) D. ’ (5) E. ’ (1)
Catalyst Process
A Niinthe presence of hydrogen Vegetable oil to ghee
B Cu,Cl, Sandmeyer reaction
C. V,O, Contact process
SO,
D. Finely divided iron Haber's process
N, + 3H, 2NH,
E. TiC, + Al(CH,), Ziegler-Natta catalyst
Q. 59 Assertion (A) Cu* iodide is not known.
Reason (R) Cu* oxidises I to iodine.
Ans. (a) Assertion and reason both are correct and reason is the correct explanation of
assertion.
Copper (1) iodide (Cul,) is not known because Cu oxidises I to lodine.

168 NCERT Exemplar (Class X) Solutions

Q. 60 Assertion (A) Separation of Zr and Hf is difficult.

Reason (R) Because Zr and Hf lie in the same group of the Periodic Table.
Ans. (b) Assertion and reason are true but reason is not correct explanation of assertion.
Separation of Zr and Hf is difficult; it is not because of they lie in the same group of
Periodic Table. This is due to lanthanoid contraction which causes almost similar radi
of both of them.

Q. 61 Assertion (A) Actinoids form relatively less stable complexes as

compared to lanthanoids.
Reason (R) Actinoids can utilise their 5f orbitals alongwith 6d orbitals in
bonding but lanthanoids do not use their 4f orbital for bonding.
Ans. (c) Assertion is not true but reason is true.
Actinoids form relatively more stable complexes as compared to lanthanoids because
of actinoids can utilise their 5f orbitals along with 6d orbitals in bonding but lanthanoids
do not use their 4f orbitals for bonding.

Q. 62 Assertion (A) Cu cannot liberate hydrogen from acids.

Reason (R) Because it has positive electrode potential.
Ans, (a) Assertion and reason both are correct and reason is correct explanation of assertion.
Cu can not liberate hydrogen from acids because it has positive electrode potential.
Metals having negative value of electrode potential liberate H, gas.

63 Assertion (A) The highest oxidation state of osmium is +8

Reason (R) Osmium is a 5d-block element.
Ans. (b) Assertion and reason both are correct but reason is not the correct explanation of
assertion.
The highest oxidation state of osmium is +8 due to its ability to expand their octet by
using its all 8 electrons (2 from 6s and 6 from 5d).