Transition metals

[RedCapsicum]

Hi,

Can someone please answer this question:

Why can transition metals form many different ions unlike the group 1 and 2 metals?

- Thanks

[Aurelian]

Hi,

Can someone please answer this question:

Why can transition metals form many different ions unlike the group 1 and 2 metals?

- Thanks

Short and simple answer: transition metals have electrons in d orbitals/subshells which can be removed in addition to electrons in s orbitals. Group I and II metals only really have s orbital/subshell electrons available for removal. Since more electrons can be possibly removed from transition metal atoms compared to Group I and II metal atoms, transition metals will be able to form more possible ions than Group I and II metals.

Does that help? =)

[RedCapsicum]

Thanks,

That helped heaps 

[Robert243]

Becuase most group 1 and 2 metals are monovalent in nature (only want to give up one electron), want to give up that electron easily, and prefer to remain in a +1 state . Meaning that they cant form many different Ions .

Hope that helps 

[Mao]

Becuase most group 1 and 2 metals are monovalent in nature (only want to give up one electron), want to give up that electron easily, and prefer to remain in a +1 state . Meaning that they cant form many different Ions .

Quick note, group 2 metals are bivalent, not monovalent.

[Robert243]

Oops forget to change that thanks