Which of the following statements are correct about and Hg ?
A. They exhibit high enthalpy of atomization as the d-subshell is full.
B. Zn and Cd do not show variable oxidation state while Hg shows +I and +II .
C. Compounds of and Hg are paramagnetic in nature.
D. and Hg are called soft metals.
Choose the most appropriate from the options given below:
A. They exhibit high enthalpy of atomization as the d-subshell is full.
B. Zn and Cd do not show variable oxidation state while Hg shows +I and +II .
C. Compounds of and Hg are paramagnetic in nature.
D. and Hg are called soft metals.
Choose the most appropriate from the options given below:
- (A)B, D only✓ Correct
- (B)B, C only
- (C)A, D only
- (D)C, D only
Answer: (A)
Solution
Zn, Cd and Hg all have a completely filled configuration, so only their electrons participate in metallic bonding. This weak metallic bonding gives them the lowest, not the highest, enthalpies of atomization in their respective transition series — statement A is false.
Zn and Cd show only the +2 oxidation state, while Hg additionally shows +1, as the diatomic ion — statement B is correct.
With a completely filled shell, compounds of Zn, Cd and Hg have no unpaired electrons and are diamagnetic, not paramagnetic — statement C is false.
The same weak interatomic bonding gives these metals low melting points and mechanical softness, so they are classed as soft metals — statement D is correct.
Statements B and D only are correct.
Zn and Cd show only the +2 oxidation state, while Hg additionally shows +1, as the diatomic ion — statement B is correct.
With a completely filled shell, compounds of Zn, Cd and Hg have no unpaired electrons and are diamagnetic, not paramagnetic — statement C is false.
The same weak interatomic bonding gives these metals low melting points and mechanical softness, so they are classed as soft metals — statement D is correct.
Statements B and D only are correct.
JEE Main · 2024 · 29 Jan 2024 · Shift 2 · Single correct option