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 s

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:

Canvas Classes · Accepted Answer

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 → diama

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