IB Chemistry · S3.1 · HL

S3.1 The periodic table: Classification of elements (HL)

14 revision questions with answers for S3.1 The periodic table: Classification of elements (HL). Read them here, or play the set as a class game on the projector. Free to host, and students join with a code.

A question from this set

d-block element that is not a transition element?

  • Iron
  • ZincRight answer
  • Copper
  • Scandium
From S3.1 The periodic table: Classification of elements (HL), 14 questions.

What this set covers

Transition elements at HL: the d-block versus zinc, ligands and coordination bonds, coordination number, oxidation states, d-orbital splitting and colour, paramagnetism, and catalysts in the Haber and contact processes.

Common mix-up
Students often assume every d-block element is a transition element: zinc is not, and Sc³⁺ is colourless because it has an empty 3d sublevel.
Revision tip
Use the colour wheel to practise one example: pick a complex, name the colour absorbed, and state the colour you see.

All 14 questions and answers

  1. d-block element that is not a transition element?

    Answer: Zinc

  2. Molecule or ion that donates a lone pair to a central metal ion?

    Answer: Ligand

  3. Bond between a ligand and the central metal ion?

    Answer: Coordination bond

  4. Coordination number of copper in [Cu(NH₃)₄(H₂O)₂]²⁺?

    Answer: 6

  5. Oxidation state of copper in [CuCl₄]²⁻?

    Answer: +2

  6. Transition elements show variable oxidation states because 3d and 4s electrons are…?

    Answer: Close in energy

  7. Transition metal complexes are coloured because ligands make the d orbitals…?

    Answer: Split in energy

  8. Colour of a complex that absorbs orange light, using the colour wheel?

    Answer: Blue

  9. Colourless ion with an empty 3d sublevel?

    Answer: Sc³⁺

  10. Of these ligands, which causes the largest d-orbital splitting?

    Answer: CN⁻

  11. Unpaired electrons in a free Fe³⁺ ion (Z = 26)?

    Answer: 5

  12. Substance with unpaired electrons that is drawn into a magnetic field?

    Answer: Paramagnetic

  13. Transition metal used as the catalyst in the Haber process?

    Answer: Iron

  14. Industrial process catalysed by V₂O₅?

    Answer: Contact process

Play it as a class game

Play this set opens it in splycr, where you can host it for your class straight away. Hosting needs no account: put the room code on the projector, and students join from a phone with the code and their first name. Each question plays as multiple choice, and the three wrong options were written for that question.

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