Assessment: Transition Elements

What defines a transition element?

Why are Sc³⁺ and Zn²⁺ compounds typically colourless, unlike most transition metal ions?

Find the oxidation state of manganese in MnO₂. (O = −2)

Find the oxidation state of chromium in the dichromate ion, Cr₂O₇²⁻ (overall charge −2, O = −2).

Iron (Fe, [Ar]3d⁶4s²) forms both Fe²⁺ and Fe³⁺. Which electrons are removed first to form Fe²⁺, and why?

A transition metal catalyst speeds up a reaction by cycling between two of its oxidation states during the reaction mechanism. What role does this play, in terms of activation energy?

Why is titanium specifically chosen for hip replacement implants, rather than a cheaper, more common metal?

Find the oxidation state of manganese in the permanganate ion, MnO₄⁻ (overall charge −1, O = −2).