Why is Zn not a transition element ,whereasAg is a transition metal?which of bivalent cation in 3d transition series is most paramagnetic and why?
Answers
Zinc is not consider as a transition metal because its compounds or ions (Zn2+) contain a full filled d-orbital or sub shell and are unstable.Moreover it have only one ion which is the (Zn2+). Hence zinc do not form colored aqueous ions because it do not have at least one vacant d-orbital in which it can receive an electron in a reaction.
Considering Zinc not as a transition metal require you to understand and see into consideration the properties of transition metals . You can start with their ability to have variable oxidation state and their catalytic nature in reactions.
Here are some of the characteristic of a transition metal
They form compound with variable oxidation states
They are good catalyst in most reactions
They exhibit para-magnetism
They form complexes
They form colored ions with compound