Which of the following statements are correct about Zn, Cd and Hg? A. They exhibit high enthalpy of atomization as the…
d & f-Block Elements · Class 12 · JEE Main Previous Year Question
Which of the following statements are correct about Zn, Cd 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 Zn, Cd and Hg are paramagnetic in nature. D. Zn, Cd and Hg are called soft metals.
Choose the most appropriate from the options given below:
- a✓
B, D only
- b
B, C only
- c
A, D only
- d
C, D only
B, D only
Analysing each statement:
A. High enthalpy of atomization due to full d-subshell — FALSE ✗
Zn, Cd, Hg have configuration. The fully filled d-subshell means weak metallic bonding → they actually have low enthalpy of atomization (they are soft, low-melting metals).
B. Zn and Cd show only +2; Hg shows +1 and +2 — TRUE ✓
- Zn: only +2
- Cd: only +2
- Hg: +1 (as , mercury(I)) and +2
C. Compounds are paramagnetic — FALSE ✗
Zn²⁺, Cd²⁺, Hg²⁺ all have configuration → no unpaired electrons → diamagnetic.
D. Zn, Cd, Hg are soft metals — TRUE ✓
They have low melting points, low hardness — classified as soft metals. Hg is liquid at room temperature.
Correct: B and D
Answer: Option (1) — B, D only
Practice this question with progress tracking
Want timed practice with adaptive difficulty? Solve this question (and hundreds more from d & f-Block Elements) inside The Crucible, our adaptive practice platform.
More JEE Main d & f-Block Elements PYQs
The number of ions from the following that have the ability to liberate hydrogen from a dilute acid is ____. Ti2+,\, Cr2+ and V2+
Give below are two statements: Statement I: The higher oxidation states are more stable down the group among transition elements unlike p-block elements. Statement II: Copper can not liberate…
Which of the following statements are correct? (A) The M3+/M2+ reduction potential for iron is greater than manganese. (B) The higher oxidation states of first row d-block elements get stabilized by…
Which of the following has least tendency to liberate H2 from mineral acids?
Which of the following 3d-metal ion will give the lowest enthalpy of hydration (hydH) when dissolved in water?