QUESTION BANK

D-BLOCK
CLASS-12 (CBSE)

S.No. Question Year

Note: The PINK coloured questions are from the reduced portion
of syllabus as per CBSE guidelines.
1. Complete and balance the following chemical equations:
s. no. Reaction Year
a) MnO4– + H2O + I– 2020, 2019, 2018
b) MnO4– + H+ + I– 2020
c) 𝑴𝒏𝑶𝟒− + 𝑺𝟐𝑶𝟑𝟐− + 𝑯𝟐𝑶 2020, 2016(D), 2011(OD), 2010(OD),
2009(D)
a) 𝑴𝒏𝑶𝟒− + 𝑪𝟐𝑶𝟒 𝟐 − + 𝟏𝟔𝑯+ 2020, 2013(D), 2009(OD)
a) Fe2+ + MnO4– + H+ 2020, 2018
b) MnO4– + Mn2++ H2O 2020
c) Na2Cr2O7 + KCl 2019
d) MnO4− + 16 H+ + 5 S2− 2017(OD),2017(D),
e) KMnO4 heat 2017(OD),2017(D),2013(OD)
f) 𝟐𝐌𝐧𝐎𝟐 + 𝟒𝐊𝐎𝐇 + 𝐎𝟐 heat 2019, 2016(OD), 2011(D)
g) Cr2O72− + 𝟏𝟒𝐇+ + 𝟔𝐈− 2016(OD), 2012(OD, D)
h) Cr2O72− + 𝑺𝒏𝟐++𝑯+ 2019, 2016(D)
2− + −
i) Cr2O7 + 𝟖𝑯 + 𝟑𝑵O𝟐 2015(OD)
j) 𝟐𝑴𝒏𝑶𝟒− + 𝟔𝑯+ + 𝟓𝑵𝑶𝟐− 2015(D), 2012(OD,D)
2− −
k) Cr2O7 + 𝟐𝑶𝑯 2014(OD)
− +
l) 𝑴𝒏𝑶𝟒 + 𝟒𝑯 + 𝟑𝒆− 2014(OD)
m) 𝑴n𝑶𝟒 − + 𝟖𝑯+ + 𝟓𝒆− 2014(OD), 2014(D)
− +
n) 𝟐𝑪𝒓𝑶𝟒 +𝟐𝑯𝟐 2013(OD,D)
o) 𝑪𝒓𝟐𝑶𝟕 𝟐 − + 𝟔𝑭𝒆𝟐+ + 𝟏𝟒𝑯+ 2013(D), 2011(OD), 2010(OD)
p) 𝐍𝐚𝟐𝐂𝐫𝐎𝟒 + 𝐇𝟐𝐒𝐎𝟒 2011(D)
q) 𝐇𝐠𝐂𝐥𝟐 + 𝐒𝐧𝐂𝐥𝟐 2011(D)
r) 𝑪𝒓𝟐𝑶𝟕 𝟐 − (𝒂𝒒) + 𝑯𝟐𝑺 (𝒈) + 𝑯+(𝒂𝒒) 2010(OD), 2009(D)
s) 𝑪𝒖𝟐+ (𝒂𝒒) + 𝑰−(𝒂𝒒) 2010(OD)
2. (a) Account for the following : 2020
(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+.
OR
(a) Give three points of difference between lanthanoids and actinoids.
(b) Give reason and select one atom/ion which will exhibit asked property :
(i) Sc3+ or Cr3+ (Exhibit diamagnetic behaviour)
(ii) Cr or Cu (High melting and boiling point)
3. The d-block of the periodic table contains the elements of the groups 3–12 and are known as 2020
transition elements. In general, the electronic configuration of these elements is (n–1) d1–10 ns1–2.
The d-orbitals of the penultimate energy level in their atoms receive electrons giving rise to the
three rows of the transition metals i.e., 3d, 4d and 5d series. However, Zn, Cd and Hg are not
regarded as transition elements. Transition elements exhibit certain characteristic properties like
variable oxidation states, complex formation, formation of coloured ions and alloys, catalytic
activity, etc. Transition metals are hard (except Zn, Cd and Hg) and have a high melting point.
 QUESTION BANK
D-BLOCK
CLASS-12 (CBSE)

1. Why are Zn, Cd and Hg non-transition elements ?

2. Which transition metal of 3d series does not show variable oxidation states ?
3. Why do transition metals and their compounds show catalytic activity ?
4. Why are melting points of transition metals high ?
5. Why is Cu2+ ion coloured while Zn2+ ion is colourless in aqueous solution ?
4. Write the balanced chemical equations involved in the preparation of KMnO4 from pyrolusite 2020
ore (MnO2).
OR
Write the balanced ionic equations showing the oxidising action of acidified dichromate
(Cr2O72–) solution with (i) Iron (II) Ion and (ii) tin (II) ion.
5. Following ions are given : 2020
Cr2+, Cu2+, Cu+, Fe2+, Fe3+, Mn3+
Identify the ion which is
(i) a strong reducing agent.
(ii) unstable in aqueous solution.
(iii) a strong oxiding agent.
Give suitable reason in each.
6. (a) Give reasons : 2020
(i) Transition metals and their compounds show catalytic activities.
(ii) Separation of a mixture of Lanthanoid elements is difficult.
(iii) Zn, Cd and Hg are soft and have low melting point.
(b) Write the preparation of the following :
(i) Na2Cr2O7 from Na2CrO4
(ii) K2MnO4 from MnO2
OR
(a) Account for the following :
(i) Ti3+ is coloured whereas Sc3+ is colourless in aqueous solution.
(ii) Cr2+ is a strong reducing agent.
(b) Write two similarities between chemistry of lanthanoids and actinoids.
(c) Complete the following ionic equation :

7. When MnO2 is fused with KOH in the presence of KNO3 as an oxidizing agent, it gives a dark 2019
green compound (A). Compound (A) disproportionates in acidic solution to give purple
compound (B). An alkaline solution of compound (B) oxidises KI to compound (C) whereas an
acidified solution of compound (B) oxidises KI to (D). Identify (A), (B), (C), and (D).
8. Give reasons for the following : 2019
(i) Transition elements and their compounds act as catalysts.
(ii) E value for (Mn2+|Mn) is negative whereas for (Cu2+|Cu) is positive.
(iii) Actinoids show irregularities in their electronic configuration.
9. Give reasons for the following : 2019
(i) Transition metals form alloys.
(ii) Mn2O3 is basic whereas Mn2O7 is acidic.
(iii) Eu2+ is a strong reducing agent.
10. Give reasons for the following : 2019
(i) The transition metals generally form coloured compounds.
(ii) E 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.
11. Give reasons for the following : 2019
(a) Transition metals have high enthalpies of atomization.
(b) Manganese has lower melting point even though it has a higher number of unpaired
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CLASS-12 (CBSE)

electrons for bonding.

(c) Ce4+ is a strong oxidising agent.
12. Give reasons for the following : 2019
(a) Transition metals show variable oxidation states.
(b) E value for (Zn2+/Zn) is negative while that of (Cu2+/Cu) is positive.
(c) Higher oxidation state of Mn with fluorine is +4 whereas with oxygen is +7.
13. When FeCr2O4 is fused with Na2CO3 in the presence of air it gives a yellow solution of 2019
compound (A). Compound (A) on acidification gives compound (B). Compound (B) on reaction
with KCl forms an orange coloured compound (C). An acidified solution of compound (C)
oxidises Na2SO3 to (D). Identify (A), (B), (C) and (D).
14. (a) Account for the following : 2019
(i) Manganese shows maximum number of oxidation states in 3d series.
(ii) E value for Mn3+/Mn2+ couple is much more positive than that for Cr3+/Cr2+.
(iii) Ti4+ is colourless whereas V4+ is coloured in an aqueous solution.
(b) Write the chemical equations for the preparation of KMnO4 from MnO2. Why does purple
colour of acidified permanganate solution decolourise when it oxidises Fe2+ to Fe3+?
OR
(a) Write one difference between transition elements and p-block elements with reference to
variability of oxidation states.
(b) Why do transition metals exhibit higher enthalpies of atomization?
(c) Name an element of lanthanoid series which is well known to shown +4 oxidation state. Is it
a strong oxidising agent or reducing agent?
(d) What is lanthanoid contraction? Write its one consequence.
(e) Write the ionic equation showing the oxidation of Fe(II) salt by acidified dichromate
solution.
15. Explain the method of preparation of sodium dichromate from chromite ore. Give the equation 2019
representing oxidation of ferrous salts by dichromate ion.
16. Use the data to answer the following and also justify giving reason : 2019

(a) Which is a stronger reducing agent in aqueous medium, Cr2+ or Fe2+ and why?
(b) Which is the most stable ion in +2 oxidation and why?
17. How is KMnO4 prepared from pyrolusite? Give steps involved with equations. 2019
18. Give reasons for the following : 2019
(a) The only oxidation state shown by Scandium is +3.
(b) [Ti(H2O)6]4+ is colourless.
(c) MnO is basic while Mn2O7 is acidic.
OR
Answer the following :
(a) What is the general electronic configuration of lanthanoids ?
(b) What are the common oxidation states of Cerium (At. no. 58) ?
(c) Why do actinoids show a wide range of oxidation states ?
19. Write the preparation of sodium dichromate from chromite ore. 2019
20. Give reasons : 2018
(a) E° value for Mn3+/Mn2+ couple is much more positive than that for Fe3+/Fe2+.
(b) Iron has higher enthalpy of atomization than that of copper.
(c) Sc3+ is colourless in aqueous solution whereas Ti3+ is coloured.
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21. (a) Account for the following : 2017(OD)

(i) Transition metals show variable oxidation states.
(ii) Zn, Cd and Hg are soft metals.
(iii) E° 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.
22. Following are the transition metal ions of 3d series : 2017(OD)
Ti4+, V2+, Mn3+, Cr3+ (Atomic numbers : Ti = 22, V = 23, Mn = 25, Cr = 24) 2017(D)
Answer the following : 2017(F)
(i) Which ion is most stable in an aqueous solution and why?
(ii) Which ion is a strong oxidizing agent and why?
(iii) Which ion is colourless and why?
(iv) Which ion has the highest number of unpaired electrons?
23. (a) (i) How is the variability in oxidation states of transition metals different from that of the p- 2017(D)
block elements?
(ii) Out of Cu+ and Cu2+, which ion is unstable in aqueous solution and why?
(iii) Orange colour of Cr2O72– ion changes to yellow when treated with an alkali. Why?
(b) Chemistry of actinoids is complicated as compared to lanthanoids. Give two reasons.
24. Account for the following : 2017(F)
(a) CuCl2 is more stable than Cu2Cl2.
(b) Atomic radii of 4d and 5d series elements are nearly same.
(c) Hydrochloric acid is not used in permanganate titrations.
25. Account for the following: 2016(OD)
(i) Mn shows the highest oxidation state of + 7 with oxygen but with fluorine it show the highest
oxidation state of + 4.
(ii) Cr2+ is a strong reducing agent.
(iii) Cu𝟐+salt are colored while Zn2+ salts are white.
26. The elements of 3d transition series are given as: 2016(OD)
Sc Ti V Cr Mn Fe Co Ni Cu Zn
Answer the following:
(i) Write the element which shows maximum number of oxidation states. Give reason.
(ii) Which elements has the highest m.p.
(iii) Which element show only + 3 oxidation state.
(iv) Which element is a strong oxidizing agent in + 3 oxidation state and why?
27. When chromite ore FeCr2O4 is fused with NaOH in presence of air, a yellow coloured 2016(D)
compound (A) is obtained which on acidification with dilute sulphuric acid gives a compound
(B). Compound (B) on reaction with KCl forms an orange coloured crystalline compound (C).
(i) Write the formula of the compounds (A), (B) and (C).
(ii) Write one use of compound (C).
28. Give reasons: 2016(D)
(i) Mn shows the highest oxidation state of +7 with oxygen but with fluorine it shows the
highest oxidation state of +4.
(ii) Transition metals show variable oxidation states.
(iii) Actinoids show irregularities in their electronic configuration.
29. Write one similarity and difference between the chemistry of lanthanoids and that of actinoids. 2015(OD)
30. (a) Account for the following: 2015(OD)
(i) 𝑪𝒖+ is unstable is an aqueous solution.
(ii) Transition metals form complex compounds.
31. What are the transition elements? Write two characteristics of the transition elements. 2015(D)
32. (a) How would your account for the following: 2015(D)
(i) Actinoid contraction is greater than lanthanides contraction.
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(ii) Transition metals form colored compounds.

33. Account for the following: 2014(OD)
(i) Zn is not considered as a transition element.
(ii) Transition metals from a large number of complexes.
(iii) The 𝑬° value for the 𝑴𝒏𝟑+/𝑴𝒏𝟐+ couple is much more positive than that for 𝑪𝒓𝟑+/𝑪𝒓𝟐+
Couple.
34. (i) With reference to structural variability and chemical reactivity, write the differences between 2014(OD)
lanthanoides and actinoids.
(ii) Name a member of the lanthanoid series which is well known to exhibit +4 oxidation state.
(ii) Out of 𝑴𝒏𝟑+ and 𝑪𝒓𝟑+, which is more paramagnetic and why? (Atomic nos.: Mn =25, Cr
=24)
35. (a) How to you prepare: 2014(D)
(i) 𝑲𝟐𝑴𝒏𝑶𝟒𝒇𝒓𝒐𝒎 𝑴𝒏𝑶𝟐?
(ii) 𝑵𝒂𝟐𝑪𝒓𝟐𝑶𝟕 𝒇𝒓𝒐𝒎 𝑵𝒂𝟐𝑪𝒓𝑶𝟒?
(b) Account for the following:
(i) 𝑴𝒏𝟐+ is more stable than 𝑭𝒆𝟐+ towards oxidation to + 3 state.
(ii) The enthalpy of atomization is lowest for Zn in 3d series of the transition elements.
(iii) Actinoid elements show wide range of oxidation states.
36. (i) Name the element of 3d transition series which shows maximum number of oxidation states. 2014(D)
Why does it show so?
(ii) Which transition metal of 3d series has positive 𝑬° (𝑴𝟐+/𝑴) value and why?
(iii) Out of 𝑪𝒓𝟑+ and 𝑴𝒏𝟑+ which is a stronger oxidizing agent and why?
(iv) Name a member of the lanthanoid series which is well known to exhibit +2 oxidation state.
37. (a) Give reasons for the following: 2013(OD)
(i) 𝑴𝒏𝟑+is a good oxidising agent.
(ii) 𝑬°(𝑴𝟐+⁄𝑴) value is not regular for first row transition metals (3d series).
(iii) Although ‘F’ is more electronegative than ‘O’, the highest Mn fluoride is 𝑴𝒏𝑭𝟒, whereas
the highest oxide is𝑴𝒏𝟐O𝟕.
38. (a) Why do transition elements show variable oxidation state? 2013(OD)
(i) Name the element showing maximum number of oxidation states among the first series of
transition metals form Sc (Z = 21) to Zn (Z = 30).
(ii) Name the element which shows only + 3 oxidation states.
(b) What is lanthanoid contraction? Name an important alloy which contains some of the
lanthanoid metals.
39. (a). What metal in the first transition series (3d series) exhibits + 1 oxidation state most 2013(D)
frequently and why?
(b). Which of the following cations are colored in aqueous solutions and why?
𝑺c𝟑+, 𝑽𝟑+, 𝑻𝒊𝟒+, 𝑴𝒏𝟐+(𝐀𝐭. 𝐧𝐨𝐬. 𝐒𝐜 = 𝟐𝟏, 𝐕 = 𝟐𝟑, 𝐓𝐢 = 𝟐𝟐, 𝐌𝐧 = 𝟐𝟓)
40. How would you account for the following? 2013(D)
(i) Transition metals exhibit variable oxidation states.
(ii) Zr (Z = 40) and Hf (Z = 72) have almost identical radii.
(iii) Transition metals and their compounds act as catalyst
41. How would you account for the following: 2012(OD)
(i) Among lanthanoids, Ln (lll) compounds are predominant, However, occasionally in solutions 2007(D)
or in solid compounds, +2 and +4 ions are also obtained.
(ii) The 𝐄°𝐌𝟐+/𝐌 for copper is positive (0.34 V). Copper is the only metal in the first series of
transition elements showing this behavior.
(iii) The metallic radii of the third (5d) series of transition metals are nearly the same as those of
the corresponding members of the second series.
42. Explain the following giving higher oxidation reason in each case. 2012(D)
(i) 𝑶𝟐 and 𝑭𝟐 both stabilize higher oxidation states of metals but 𝑶𝟐 exceeds 𝑭𝟐 in doing so.
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(ii) Structure of Xenon fluorides cannot be explained by Valence Bond Approach.

43. How would you account for the following? 2012(D)
(i) Many of the transition elements are known to form interstitial compounds.
(ii) The metallic radii of the third (5d) series of transition metal are virtually the same as those
of the corresponding group members of the second (4d) series.
(iii) Lanthanoids from primarily +3 ions, while the actinoids usually have higher oxidation
states in their compounds, +4 or even +6 being typical.
44. What is meant by ‘lanthanoids contraction’? 2011(OD)
45. How would your account for the following: 2011(OD)
(i) Cr2+ is reducing in nature while with the same d-orbital configuration (d4) Mn3+ is an
oxidizing agent.
(ii) In a transition series of metals, the metal which exhibits the greatest number of oxidation
states occur in the middle of the series.
46. State reasons for the following: 2011(OD)
(i) Cu (I) ion is not stable in an aqueous solution.
(ii) Unlike 𝐶𝑟3+, 𝑀𝑛2+, 𝐹𝑒3+ and the subsequent other 𝑀2+ ions of the 3d series of elements, the
4d and the 5d series metals generally do not form stable cationic species.
47. Assign reasons for the following: 2011(D)
(i) Copper (I) ion is not known in aqueous solution.
(ii) Actinoids exhibit greater range of oxidation states than Lanthanides.
48. Why is europium (II) more stable than cerium (II)? 2010(OD)
49. How would your account for the following 2010(OD)
(i) The oxidizing power of oxyanions are in the order 𝑽𝑶𝟐 + < 𝑪𝒓𝟐𝑶𝟕 𝟐− < 𝑴𝒏𝑶𝟒−.
(ii) The third ionization enthalpy of manganese (Z = 25) is exceptionally high.
(iii) 𝑪𝒓𝟐+ is a stronger reducing agent than 𝑭𝒆𝟐+.
50. Explain the following observations: 2010(OD)
(i) 𝐋𝐚𝟑+(𝐙 = 𝟓𝟕) 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐋𝐮𝟑+(𝐙 = 𝟕𝟏) do not show any colour in solutions.
(ii) Amount the divalent cations in the first series of transition elements, manganese exhibits the
maximum paramagnetic.
(iii) 𝑪𝒖+ ion is not known in aqueous solutions.
51. What are different oxidation states exhibit by lanthanides? 2010(D)
52. Explain the following observations: 2010(D)
(i) Generally there is an increase in density of elements from titanium (Z = 22) to copper
(Z = 29) in the first series of transition elements.
(ii) Transition elements and their compounds are generally found to be good catalysts in
chemical reactions.
53. How would your account for the following? 2010(D)
(i) The atomic radii of the metals of the third (5d) series of transition elements are virtually the 2007(D)
same as those of the corresponding members of the second (4d) series.
(ii) The 𝑬° value for the 𝑴𝒏𝟑+/𝑴𝒏𝟐+ couple is much more positive than that for 𝑪𝒓𝟑+/𝑪𝒓𝟐+
couple or 𝑭𝒆𝟑+/𝑭𝒆𝟐+ couple.
(iii) The highest oxidation state of a metal is exhibited in its oxide or fluoride.
54. How would you account for the following: 2009(OD)
(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 seconds series.
(iii) There is a greater range of oxidation states among the actinoids than among the actinoids.
55. Explain the following observations about the transition/inner transition elements: 2009(D)
(i)There is in general an increase in density of element from titanium (Z=22) to copper (Z=29).
(ii) There occurs much more frequent metal-metal bonding in compounds of heavy transition
element (𝟑𝒓𝒅 𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬).
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(iii) The members in the actinoid series exhibit a larger number of oxidation states than the
corresponding members in the lanthanoid series.
56. Give an explanation for each of the following observations: 2009(D)
(i) The gradual in size (actinoid contraction) from element to element is greater among the
actinoids than that among the lanthanoids (lanthanoid contraction).
(ii) The greatest number of oxidation state are exhibited u the members in the middle of a
transition series.
(iii) With the same d-orbitals configurations (𝒅𝟒) 𝑪𝒓𝟐+ion is a reducing agent but 𝑴𝒏𝟑+ ion is an
oxidizing agent.
57. Consider the reaction: 2008(OD)
𝑪𝒓𝟐𝑶𝟕 𝟐 − + 𝟏𝟒 𝑯+ + 𝟔𝒆− ⟶ 𝟐𝑪𝒓𝟑+ + 𝟖𝑯𝟐𝑶.
What is the quantity of electricity in coulombs needed to reduce 1 mol of 𝑪𝒓𝟐𝑶𝟕 𝟐−?
58. Write complete chemical equations for: 2008(OD)
(i) Oxidation of 𝑭𝒆𝟐+ by 𝑪𝒓𝟐𝑶𝟕 𝟐 − in acid medium.
(ii) Oxidation of 𝑺𝟐𝑶𝟑𝟐− 𝐛𝐲 𝐌𝐧𝑶𝟒− in neutral aqueous medium.
59. Assign reason for the following: 2008(D)
(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 E° 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
transition element.
60. Write down the number of 3d electrons in each of the following ions: 2008(D)
𝐓𝐢𝟐+, 𝐕𝟐+, 𝐂𝐫𝟑+, 𝐌𝐧𝟐+, 𝐅𝐞𝟐+, 𝐂𝐨𝟐+, 𝐍𝐢𝟐+ 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐂𝐮𝟐+ Indicate how would you expect the five 3d
orbitals to be occupied for these hydrated ions (octahedral).

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