d and f BLOCK ELEMENTS

Which of the following best explains why transition metals are generally hard?

• They have large atomic radii.
• They have low density.
• They form ionic bonds.
• The strong interatomic metallic bonding resists deformation.

What structural characteristic is common among Sc, Ti, Y, and Zr according to the table?

• They all adopt a body-centred cubic (bcc) structure.
• They all adopt a cubic close-packed (ccp) structure.
• They all have variable or unknown structures.
• They all adopt a hexagonal close-packed (hcp) structure.

Based on the text, what is the expected trend for boiling points of transition metals within a series, similar to melting points?

• They decrease steadily across the series.
• They increase steadily across the series.
• They remain constant across the series.
• They generally rise to a maximum near the d⁵ configuration and then decrease.

Which property listed is a direct consequence of the delocalized electrons in transition metals?

• High volatility
• Low atomic radii
• High melting points
• High electrical conductivity

Why do transition metals (excluding Zn, Cd, Hg) generally have low volatility?

• They have weak intermolecular forces.
• They have low melting points.
• They readily form gases.
• Strong metallic bonds require significant energy to break, making vaporization difficult.