Why do transition metals show a lot of chemical similarities within a given period?
A)The valence s and p electrons affect their chemistry more so than the inner d and f electrons,which do not participate in bonding as easily.
B)The number of electrons within a given period varies only slightly and is sometimes identical because these metals have more than one ionic form.
C)All elements in a given period,including the representative elements,have a lot of chemical similarities due to the gradual increase in atomic number.
D)The transition metals always fill their s and p orbitals first before filling their d orbitals,which affects their chemistry.
E)None of the above is correct.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Transition metals have their outermost electrons in the d orbital, but the valence s and p electrons also play a role in bonding. However, the d electrons tend to be shielded by the outer s and p electrons, making their chemistry more similar within a given period.

Why Do Transition Metals Show a Lot of Chemical Similarities