d- and f-Block Elements – Interactive Quiz & Cheatsheet

Understand the transition and inner transition metals with this educational quiz

Updated: 4 minutes ago

Categories: Mini Game, Chemistry, Class 11, Inorganic Chemistry

Tags: Mini Game, Chemistry, Class 11, d-Block Elements, f-Block Elements, Transition Metals, Lanthanides, Actinides

D- and F-Block Elements Cheatsheet & Quiz

D-Block Elements: Transition metals with valence electrons in d-orbitals (Groups 3-12).
F-Block Elements: Inner transition metals filling f-orbitals, including Lanthanides and Actinides.
Electron Configurations: D-block elements fill (n-1)d orbitals; f-block fill (n-2)f orbitals.
Variable Oxidation States: Characteristic of d-block due to similar energy levels of ns and (n-1)d electrons.
Colored Compounds: Due to d-d electronic transitions in d-block elements.
Magnetic Properties: Unpaired d- or f-electrons cause paramagnetism.
Lanthanide Contraction: Gradual decrease in ionic radii across lanthanides.
Actinides: Radioactive and mostly synthetic elements with variable oxidation states.
Complex Formation: D-block elements readily form coordination compounds.
Catalytic Behavior: Many d-block elements act as catalysts.

Type	Characteristic	Example
D-Block	Occupy (n-1)d orbitals; variable oxidation states; colorful compounds	Fe, Cu, Ni, Zn
F-Block (Lanthanides)	Occupy 4f orbitals; lanthanide contraction; strong magnetic properties	La, Ce, Nd, Eu
F-Block (Actinides)	Occupy 5f orbitals; radioactive; many are synthetic	U, Th, Pu
Oxidation States	Wide range, often +2 to +7 for d-block; actinides vary widely	Cr (+3, +6), Mn (+2 to +7)
Magnetism	Paramagnetic due to unpaired electrons	Fe, Gd
Catalysis	D-block elements often used as catalysts	Pt, Pd, V₂O₅

Understand Electronic Configuration: Know the filling order for d and f orbitals.

Remember Lanthanide Contraction: Affects physical and chemical properties of subsequent elements.

Focus on Variable Oxidation States: Key to many chemical reactions and complex formations.

Recognize Magnetic Properties: Often related to unpaired d or f electrons.

Study Catalytic Uses: Many d-block elements are important industrial catalysts.

D-Block Filling: Electrons fill (n-1)d orbitals after ns orbitals.
Variable Oxidation States: Due to closely lying s and d energy levels.
Colored Compounds: Result from d-d electron transitions.
Lanthanide Contraction: Causes decrease in size across lanthanides.
f-Block Characteristics: Mostly radioactive, exhibit variable oxidation states and magnetic behavior.

Test your knowledge with 5 questions! You have 30 seconds per question.