d and f BLOCK ELEMENTS

What does the term 'ductility' specifically refer to in the context of transition metals?

• The ability to conduct electricity.
• The ability to resist chemical reactions.
• The ability to be hammered into thin sheets.
• The ability to be drawn into thin wires without breaking.

Which of the following best describes the electron involvement in the metallic bonding of transition metals compared to alkali metals?

• Both involve only s electrons.
• Alkali metals involve d electrons, transition metals do not.
• Transition metals involve fewer electrons.
• Transition metals involve both s and (n-1)d electrons, while alkali metals involve primarily s electrons.

Based on the concept of extensive metallic bonding, why do transition metals generally have high boiling points?

• They have weak interatomic forces.
• They easily form gases.
• Their atoms are very light.
• Strong interatomic forces must be overcome to separate atoms completely into the gas phase.

What structural information is provided for Gold (Au) in the table?

• It adopts a body-centred cubic (bcc) structure.
• It adopts a hexagonal close-packed (hcp) structure.
• Its structure is variable or unknown (X).
• It adopts a cubic close-packed (ccp) structure.

Why is the property 'malleability' important for practical applications of transition metals?

• It makes them resistant to corrosion.
• It allows them to conduct electricity.
• It allows metals to be shaped under compression without breaking.
• It makes them magnetic.