Read the passage carefully and answer the following questions.

There are mainly four series of the transition metals, 3d series (Sc to Zn), 4d series (Y to Cd), 5d series (La and Hf to Hg) and 6d series which has Ac and elements from Rf to Cn. The two series of the inner transition metals; 4f (Ce to Lu) and 5f (Th to Lr) are known as lanthanoids and actinoids respectively. Their chemical properties are transitional between those of s and p-block elements. The transition metals (with the exception of Zn, Cd and Hg) are very hard and have low volatility. Their melting and boiling points are high. Transition metals have incomplete d subshell either in neutral atom or in their ions. With partly filled d orbitals these elements exhibit certain characteristic properties such as display of a variety of oxidation states, formation of coloured ions and entering into complex formation with a variety of ligands. The transition metals and their compounds are known for their catalytic activity.

In series Sc to Zn, the lowest enthalpy of atomization is shown by

Zn

The correct answer is Option (2) → Zn

The lowest enthalpy of atomization in the series Sc to Zn is shown by Zn.

Enthalpy of atomization depends on the strength of metallic bonding.
Zinc has a completely filled 3d¹⁰ configuration, so fewer unpaired electrons are available for metallic bonding.
Weaker metallic bonding leads to lower enthalpy of atomization.
Hence, Zn shows the minimum value in the 3d series.