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The d-and f-Block Elements

CBSE · Class 12 · Chemistry

Complete topic list for The d-and f-Block Elements in CBSE Class 12 Chemistry. Key concepts, sub-topics, and what to focus on for board exams.

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4 Topics · CBSE Class 12 Chemistry

Topics in The d-and f-Block Elements

1

Position, Series and Electronic Configurations

  • The d-block consists of groups 3 to 12 and forms the middle block of the periodic table.
  • There are four transition series: 3d from Sc to Zn, 4d from Y to Cd, 5d from La and Hf to Hg, and 6d from Ac and Rf to Cn.
  • The f-block contains the 4f series, called lanthanoids, from Ce to Lu, and the 5f series, called actinoids, from Th to Lr.
2

Atomic Size, Density and Lanthanoid Contraction

  • Atomic and ionic radii decrease gradually across a transition series because nuclear charge increases while d-electron shielding is poor.
  • Transition-metal ions of the same charge show progressive decrease in radius with increasing atomic number.
  • Atomic radii increase from the first to the second transition series.
3

Ionisation Enthalpy, Exchange Energy and Magnetic Moment

  • Ionisation enthalpy generally increases from left to right in a transition series, but the increase is less steep than in main-group elements.
  • Successive ionisation enthalpies rise, but irregularities appear because of electronic stability factors.
  • Exchange energy is approximately proportional to the total number of possible pairs of parallel spins in degenerate orbitals.
4

Oxidation States and Redox Behaviour

  • Transition elements show a wide variety of oxidation states because both ns and (n-1)d electrons can take part in bonding.
  • Oxidation states of transition elements often differ by unity.
  • The greatest number of oxidation states is found near the middle of the series, especially manganese.

Key Concepts

Central concept: d-and f-Block Elements

Position in periodic tableElectronic configurationTransition metalsPhysical propertiesAtomic and ionic sizesIonisation enthalpy and exchange energyOxidation statesElectrode potentials and redox behavior

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the important topics in The d-and f-Block Elements for CBSE Class 12 Chemistry?
Key topics in The d-and f-Block Elements include Complete Concept Map: d- and f-Block Elements, Overview of d-Block Transition Elements — Key Characteristics, Is It a Transition Metal? — Decision Flowchart. These are the concepts CBSE Class 12 examiners draw on most — study them first, then practise related questions.
How to score full marks in The d-and f-Block Elements — CBSE Class 12 Chemistry?
Understand the core concepts first, then work through the 93 practice questions available for this chapter. Revise formulas and definitions regularly, and use flashcards for quick recall before the exam.

Sources & Official References

Content is aligned to the official syllabus. Refer to the board website for the latest curriculum.

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