Vision International school of Excellence

Date : 02-12-2024 STD 12 Chemistry Total Marks : 94

Worksheet

SECTION A

* Answer The Following Questions In One Sentence.[1 Marks Each] [9]

1. In the series Sc (Z = 21) to Zn (Z = 30), the enthalpy of atomisation of zinc is

the lowest, i.e., 126 kJ mol–1. Why?

Ans. : The extent of metallic bonding an element undergoes deideds the enthalpy of
atomization the more extensive the metallic bonding of an element the more will be its
enthalpy of atomization.

Sc & Zn belongs to 3rd group of periodic table. In all transition metals (except Zn,

electronic configuration: 3d10 4s2 ), there are some unpaired electrons that account for
their stronger metallic bonding. Due to the absence of these unpaired electrons, the inter-
atomic electronic bonding is the weakest in Zn and as a result, it has the least enthalpy of
atomization.

2. Write down the electronic configuration of:

Pm3+

Ans. : Pm3+: 1s2 2s2 2p6 3s2 3p6 3d10 4s2 4p6 4d10 5s2 5p6 4f4
Or, [Xe]54 3d3

3. The ⊖
E (M
2+
/M) value for copper is positive (+0.34V). What is possibly the
reason for this? (Hint: consider its high Δa H
⊖
and low ⊖
Δhyd H ).

Ans. : E
⊖ 2+
(M /M) for any metal is related to the sum of enthelpy changes taking place in
following steps:
M(s) + Δa H → M(g)

2+
M(g) + Δi H → M (g)

2+
M(g) + Δi H → M (g)

Cu has a high enthelpy of atomisation (Δa H) and a low enthelpy of hydration (Δhyd H) . The

high energy required to transform Cu(s) to Cu2+(aq) is not balenced by its hydration
enthelpy. Hence E
⊖
(Cu
2+
/Cu) is positive.

4. Explain why Cu+ ion is not stable in aqueous solutions?

Ans. : In an aqueous medium, Cu2+ is more stable than Cu+. This is because although
energy is required to remove one electron from Cu+ to Cu2+, high hydration energy of

Cu2+ compensates for it. Therefore, Cu+ ion in an aqueous solution is unstable. It

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 disproportionate to give Cu2+ and Cu.
+ +
2Cu → Cu + Cu(s)
(aq) (aq)

5. Calculate the ‘spin only’ magnetic moment of M2+

(aq) ion (Z = 27).

Ans. : Atomic number (27) = [Ar] 3d7 4s2

M2+ = [Ar] 3d7
Thus it has three unpaired electrons
therefore magnetic moment is
−−−−−− −
μ = √n(n + 2)

Where n = total number of unpaired electron

−−−−−− −
μ = √3(3 + 2)

−−
μ = √15

μ = 3.8M

6. Which is a stronger reducing agent Cr2+ or Fe2+ and why?

Ans. : Cr2+ is a stronger reducing agent than Fe2+. This is because E°(Cr3+/Cr2+) is
negative (-0.41 V) whereas E°(Fe3+/Fe2+) is positive (+ 0.77 V). Thus, Cr2+ is easily

oxidised to Fe3+ but Fe2+ cannot be easily oxidised to Fe3+.

7. Actinoid contraction is greater from element to element than lanthanoid

contraction. Why?

Ans. : This is due to poor shielding by 5f-electrons in the actinoids than that by 4f e-1 s in
lanthanoids.

8. Silver atom has completely filled d orbitals (4d10) in its ground state. How can

you say that it is a transition element?

Ans. : The outer electronic configuration of Ag (Z = 47) is 4d10 5s1 . It shows +1 and +2O.S.
(in AgO and AgF2 ). And in +2O.S. , the electronic configuration is d9 i.e., d - subshell is

incompletely filled. Hence, it is a transition element.

9. Which of the 3d series of the transition metals exhibits the largest number of
oxidation states and why?

Ans. : Mn (Z = 25) = 3d5 4s2

Mn has the maximum number of unpaired electrons present in the d-subshell (5 electrons).
Hence, Mn exhibits the largest number of oxidation states, ranging from +2 to +7.

SECTION B

* Given Section consists of questions of 2 marks each. [4]

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10. Explain giving reason:
The enthalpies of atomisation of the transition metals are high.
Ans. : Because of large number of unpaired electrons in d-orbitals of their atoms they
have stronger interatomic intefactions and hence stronger metallic bonding between
atoms resulting in higher enthalpies of atomisation.

11. Explain giving reason:

The transition metals generally form coloured compounds.

Ans. : Formation of coloured compounds (both in solid state as well as in aqueous

solution) is another very common characteristics of transition metals. This is due to
absorption of some radiation from visible light to cause d-d transition of electrons in
transition metal atom. The d-orbitals do not have same energy and under the influence of
ligands, the d-orbitals split into two sets of orbitals having different energies; transition of
electrons can take place from one set of d orbitals to another set within the same sub
shell. Such transitions are called d-d transitions. The energy difference for these d-d
transitions fall in the visible region. When white light is incident on compounds of transition
metals, they absorb a particular frequency and rernaining colours are emitted imparting a

characteristic colour to the complex. Zn2+ and Ti4+ salts are white because they do not
absorb any radiation in visible region.

SECTION C

* Given Section consists of questions of 3 marks each. [21]

12. Lanthanum, gadolinium and lutetium are extraordinarily stable in +3

oxidation state. Explain.
(Atomic number: La = 57, Gd = 64, Lu = 71)

Ans. : 57
La −→
− 54
La
3+

[Xe] 5d1 6s2 [Xe] 5d 0 6s0

3+
64 Gd −−−→ 61 Gd

7 1 2 7 0 0
[Xe] 4f 5d 6s [Xe] 4f 5d 6s

3+
71
Lu −−−→ 68Lu

14 1 2 14 0 0
[Xe] 4f 5d 6s [Xe] 4f 5d 6s

From their electronic configurations, we find that La 3+, Gd3+ and Lu3+ have empty,
exactly half-filled and fully filled valency shells, respectively, which make them extra
stable.

13. Compare the chemistry of actinoids with that of the lanthanoids with special
reference to:
Chemical reactivity

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 Ans. : Chemical reactivity: The earlier members of the lanthanoids series are quite
reactive similar to calcium but, with increase in atomic number, they behave more like
aluminium. The metals combine with hydrogen when. gently heated in the gas. Carbides,
Ln3 C, Ln2 C3 and LnC2 are formed when the metals are heated with carbon. They liberate

hydrogen from dilute acid and burn in halogens to form halides. They form oxides M2 O3
and hydroxides M(OH)3 . Actinoids are highly reactive metals, especially when finely

divided. The action of boiling water on thern gives a mixture of oxide and hydride and
combination with most non-metals take place at moderate temperatures. HCl attacks all
metals but most are slightly affected by nitric acid owing to the formation of protective
oxide layers, alkalis have no action. Actinoids are more reactive than lanthanoids due to
bigger atomic size and lower ionisation energy.

14. How would you account for the following:

The E° value for the Mn3+/Mn2+ couple is much more positive than that for
Cr3+/Cr2+ couple or Fe3+/Fe2+couple.

Ans. : The E° value for the Mn3+/Mn2+ couple is much more positive than Cr3+/Cr2+
couple or Fe3+/Fe2+ couple because Mn3+ ion receiving an electron gets d-subshell half-

filled which is highly stable, while in case of Fe3+, d-subshell is already half-filled, so it does
not receive electron easily.

15. How would you account for the following:

i. Many of the transition elements and their compounds can act as good
catalysts.
ii. The metallic radii of the third (5d) series of transition elements are
virtually the same as those of the corresponding members of the
second series.
iii. There is a greater range of oxidation states among the actinoids than
among the lanthanoids.
Ans. :
i. Due to their ability to show multiple oxidation states.
ii. Due to lanthanoid contraction.
iii. Due to comparable energies of 5f, 6d and 7s orbitals in actinoids.
16. Give reasons for the following:
i. The transition metals generally form coloured compounds.
ii. Eo value for (Mn3+|Mn2+) is highly positive than that for (Cr3+|Cr2+)
couple.
iii. The chemistry of actinoids elements is not so smooth as that of the
lanthanoids.

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 Ans. :
i. Due to presence of unpaired electrons/ d-d transition.
ii. Mn3+ is 3d4 while Cr3+ is 3d3 which in t2g half filled is extra stable.
iii. The energy difference between 5f, 6d and 7s orbitals is very less as
compared to lanthanoids.
17. How would you account for the following:
E° of Cu is +0.34 V while that of Zn is -0.76 V.

Ans. : High ionisation enthalpy to transform Cu(s) to Cu2+(aq) is not balanced by its
hydration enthalpy. However, in case of Zn after removal of electrons from 4s-orbital,

stable 3d10 configuration is acquired.

18. Match the properties given in Column I with the metals given in Column II.
Column II
Column I (Property)
(Metal)
(a
(i) An element which can show +8 oxidation state Mn
)
3d block element that can show upto +7 oxidation (b
(ii) Cr
state )
(iii (c
3d block element with highest melting point Os
) )
(d
Fe
)

Ans. :
Column I (Property) Column II (Metal)
(i) An element which can show +8 oxidation state (c) Os

(ii) 3d block element that can show upto +7 oxidation state (a) Mn

(iii) 3d block element with highest melting point (b) Cr

Explanation:
i. Osmium is an element which show +8 oxidation state.
ii. 3d block element that can show up to +7 oxidation state is manganese.
iii. 3d block element with highest melting point is chromium.

SECTION E

* Given Section consists of questions of 5 marks each. [60]

19. i. Account for the following:

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 a. Mn2O7 is acidic whereas MnO is basic.

b. Though copper has completely filled d-orbital (d10) yet it is considered

as a transition metal.
c. Actinoids show wide range of oxidation states.
ii. Write the preparation of potassium permanganate from pyrolusite ore
(MnO2).

Ans. :
i.
a. Because of higher oxidation state (+7) of Mn.
b. Because it has one unpaired electron in 3d orbital in its +2 oxidation
state / or it has incompletely filled d-orbital in +2 oxidation state.
c. Because of comparable energies of 5f, 6d and 7s orbitals.
ii. 2MnO2 + 4KOH + O2 −−−−→ 2K2 MnO4 + 2H2 O

2− + −
3MnO4 + 4H −−−−→ 2MnO4 + MnO2 + 2H2 O

20. a. Complete the following equations:

i. Cr2 O7
2−
+ 2OH
−
→

ii. MnO
−

4
+ 4H
+
+ 3e
−
→

b. Account for the following:

i. Zn is not considered as a transition element.
ii. Transition metals form a large number of complexes.
iii. The Eo value for the Mn3+/Mn2+ couple is much more positive than
that for Cr3+/Cr2+ couple.
Ans. :
a.
i. Cr2 O
2−

7
+ 2OH
−
→ 2CrO
2−

4
+ H2 O

ii. −
MnO4 + 4H
+
+ 3e
−
→ MnO2 + 2H2 O

b.
i. Zn/Zn2+ has fully filled d orbitals.
ii. This is due to smaller ionic sizes/higher ionic charge and availability of d
orbitals.
iii. because Mn+2 is more stable(3d5) than Mn3+ (3d4). Cr+3 is more stable
due to t2g3/d3 configuration.

21. a. Following are the transition metal ions of 3d series:

Ti4+, V2+, Mn3+, Cr3+
(Atomic numbers : Ti = 22, V = 23, Mn = 25, Cr = 24)

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 Answer the following:
i. Which ion is most stable in an aqueous solution and why?
ii. Which ion is a strong oxidising agent and why?
iii. Which ion is colourless and why?
b. Complete the following equations:
i. −
2 MnO4 + 16 H
+ 2−
+5 S −−−→

heat

ii. KMnO4 −−−−−→

Ans. :
a.
i. Cr3+, half filled t3 2g
ii. Mn3+, due to stable d5 configuration in Mn2+
iii. Ti4+, No unpaired electrons
b.
i. 2MnO4- + 16H+ +5S2-⟶ 5S + 2Mn2+ + 8H2O

ii. 2KMnO4 ⟶ K 2MnO4 + MnO2 + O2

22. a. Account for the following:

i. Transition metals show variable oxidation states.
ii. Zn, Cd and Hg are soft metals.
iii. Eo value for the Mn3+/Mn2+ couple is highly
positive (+ 1·57 V) as compared to Cr3+/Cr2+.
b. Write one similarity and one difference between the chemistry of
lanthanoid and actinoid elements.
Ans. :
a.
i. Availability of partially filled d-orbitals/comparable energies of ns and (n-
1) d orbitals.
ii. Completely filled d-orbitals/absence of unpaired d electrons cause weak
metallic bonding.
iii. Because Mn2+ has d5 as a stable configuration whereas Cr3+ is more
stable due to stable t3 2g.
b. Similarity- both are stable in +3 oxidation state/both show
contraction/irregular electronic configuration.
Difference- actinoids are radioactive and lanthanoids are not/actinoids show wide
range of oxidation states but lanthanoids don’t.

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23. Match the compounds/elements given in Column I with uses given in Column
II.
Column I (Compound/element) Column II (Use)
(i) Lanthanoid oxide (a) Production of iron alloy
(ii) Lanthanoid (b) Television screen
(iii) Misch metal (c) Petroleum cracking
(iv) Magnesium based alloy is constituent of (d) Lanthanoid metal + iron
(v) Mixed oxides of lanthanoids are employed (e) Bullets
(f) In X-ray screen

Ans. :
Column I (Compound/element) Column II (Use)
(i) Lanthanoid oxide (b) Television screen
(ii) Lanthanoid (a) Production of iron alloy

(iii) Misch metal (d) Lanthanoid metal + iron

(iv) Magnesium based alloy is constituent of (e) Bullets
(v) Mixed oxides of lanthanoids are employed (c) Petroleum cracking

Explanation:
Compound/ element- use
i. Lanthanoid oxide /television screen
ii. Lanthanoid – production of iron alloy
iii. Misch metal- Lanthanoid metal + iron
iv. Magnesium based alloy- bullets
v. Mixed oxide of lanthanoids are employed – petroleum cracking.
24. a. Give reasons for the following:
i. Mn3+ is a good oxidizing agent.
ii. Eo m2+/M values are not regular for first row transition metals.
(3d series)
iii. Although ‘F’ is more electronegative then ‘O’, the highest Mn
fluoride is Mnf4, whereas the highest oxide is Mn2O7.
b. Complete the following equations:
2 +
2CrO4 + 2H →

heat

KMnO4 −−→

Ans. :
a.
 i. Mn3+ (3d4) good electron acceptor as resulting species is more
stable (3d5)
ii. The Eo(M2+/M) values are not regular which can be explained from
the irregular variation of ionisation enthalpies (ΔiH1 +ΔiH2),
sublimation enthalpies and hydration enthalpies.
iii. Due to multiple bond formation ability of oxygen with Mn in Mn2O7.
b.
i. 2CrO42- + 2H+ → Cr2O72- + H2O.
Heat

ii. 2KMnO4 −−−→K 2MnO4 + MnO2 + O2.

25. a. Describe the general trends in the following properties of the first
series of the transition elements:
i. Stability of +2 oxidation state.
ii. Formation of oxometal ions.
b. Assign reason for each of the following:
i. Transition elements exhibit variable oxidation states.
ii. Transition metal ions are usually coloured.
Ans. :
a.
i. The stability increases with an increase in atomic number from Mn
to Zn. Sc does not exhibit, Ti, V and Cr exhibit but are not stable.
ii. Corresponding to the highest oxidation state (3d+4s) electrons, the
stability of oxometal cations increases from Ti to Mn, therefore
there is practically no oxometal cation.
b.
i. This is due to the incomplete filling of d-orbitals involved in
their oxidation processes.
ii. Due to the presence of unpaired electrons or d-d transition.
26. a. Account for the following:
i. Copper (I) compounds are white whereas Copper (II) compounds
are coloured.
ii. Chromates change their colour when kept in an acidic solution.
iii. Zn, Cd, Hg are considered as d-block elements but not as
transition elements.
b. Calculate the spin-only moment of Co2+ (Z = 27) by writing the
electronic configuration of Co and Co2+.
Ans. :
 a.
i. Cu+1(3d10) compounds are white because of absence of unpaired
electrons while Cu+2(3d9) compounds are coloured due to unpaired
e-/ shows dd transition.
ii. Chromate (CrO42-) changes to dichromate (Cr2O72-) ion in acidic
medium.
iii. Due to completely filled d-orbitals in their ground state as well as in
oxidized state.
b. Co = [Ar]4s2 3d7, Co+2 = [Ar]3d7
−−−−−− −
μ = √n(n + 2)

−−−−−− − –
= √3(3 + 2) = √15 = 3.92 B.M.

27. Match the property given in Column I with the element given in Column II.
Column II
Column I (Property)
(Element)
(a
(i) Lanthanoid which shows +4 oxidation state Pm
)
(ii (b
Lanthanoid which can show +2 oxidation state Ce
) )
(iii (c
Radioactive lanthanoid Lu
) )
(i Lanthanoid which has 4f7 electronic configuration in (d
Eu
v) +3 oxidation state )

(v Lanthanoid which has 4f14 electronic configuration in (e

Gd
) +3 oxidation state )
(f
Dy
)

Ans. :
Column II
Column I (Property)
(Element)

(b
(i) Lanthanoid which shows +4 oxidation state Ce
)

(d
(ii) Lanthanoid which can show +2 oxidation state Eu
)
(iii (a
Radioactive lanthanoid Pm
) )
 (iv Lanthanoid which has 4f7 electronic configuration in +3 (e
Gd
) oxidation state )

Lanthanoid which has 4f14 electronic configuration in +3 (c

(v) Lu
oxidation state )

Explanation:
i. Lanthanoid shows +4 oxidation state- Cerium (Ce)
ii. Lanthanoid shows +2 oxidation state- Europium (Eu)
iii. Radioactive lanthanoid – Promethium (Pm)
iv. Lanthanoid having 4f7 configuration in +3 states – Gadolinium (Gd)
v. Lanthanoid having 4f14 configuration in +3 states – Lutetium (Lu)
28. Answer the following questions:
Assign reasons for the following:
i. In the series Sc (Z = 21) to Zn (Z = 30), the enthalpy of atomisation of
Zn is the lowest.
ii. Zr and Hf have almost identical radii.
iii. Transition metals show variable oxidation states.
iv. The E°M2+/M value for copper is positive (+0.34 V).
Ans. :
i. In the formation of metallic bonds, no electrons from 3d-orbitals are
involved in case of zinc, while in all other metals of the 3d series,
electrons from the d-orbitals are always involved in the formation of
metallic bonds. That is why, the enthalpy of atomisation of zinc is the
lowest in the series.
ii. This is due to filling of 4f orbitals which have poor shielding effect
(lanthanoid contraction).
iii. Transition elements show variable oxidation states because electrons in
ns and (n - 1) d-orbitals are available for bond formation as they have
nearly same energy.
iv. This is because the sum of enthalpies of sublimation and ionisation is not
balanced by hydration enthalpy.
29. Assign reasons for the following:
i. The enthalpies of atomisation of transition elements are high.
ii. The transition metals and many of their compounds act as good
catalyst.
iii. From element to element the actinoid contraction is greater than
the lanthanoid contraction.
 iv. The E0 value for the Mn3+/Mn2+ couple is much more positive than
that for Cr3+/Cr2+.
v. Scandium (Z = 21) does not exhibit variable oxidation states and yet it
is regarded as a transition element.
Ans. :
i. Because of larger number of unpaired electrons in their atoms they
have stronger interatomic interaction and hence stronger bonding
between atoms resulting in higher enthalpies of atomisation.
ii. Because of their ability to adopt multiple oxidation states and to
form complexes.
iii. Because of poorer shielding by 5f electrons than that by 4f electrons,
actinoid contraction is greater than the lanthanoid contraction.
iv. Much larger third inonisation energy of Mn (where the required change
is d5 to d4) is mainly responsible for this.
v. Because of the presence of incomplete d-orbital (3d14s2) in its ground
state.
30. Match the catalysts given in Column I with the processes given in Column II.
Column I (Catalyst) Column II (Process)
(i) Ni in the presence of hydrogen (a) Zieglar Natta catalyst
(ii) Cu2Cl2 (b) Contact process
(iii) V2O5 (c) Vegetable oil to ghee
(iv) Finely divided iron (d) Sandmeyer reaction
(v) TiCl4 + Al (CH3)3 (e) Haber’s Process
(f) Decomposition of KClO3

Ans. :
Column I (Catalyst) Column II (Process)

(i) Ni in the presence of hydrogen (c) Vegetable oil to ghee

(ii) Cu2 Cl2 (d) Sandmeyer reaction

(iii) V 2 O5 (b) Contact process

(iv) Finely divided iron (e) Haber’s Process

(v) TiCl4 + Al (CH 3 )3 (a) Zieglar Natta catalyst

Explanation:
Catalyst → Process
Ni in presence of H 2 → Vegetable oil to ghee
Cu2 Cl2 → Sandmayer reaction
V 2 O5 → Contact process

Finely divided iron → Haber’s process

TiCl4 + Al(CH 3 )3 → Zieglar Natta catalyst

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