d-block elements are situated in the 3rd to 12th groups of the modern periodic table and possess valence electrons located in the d orbital. They are commonly referred to as transition elements or transition metals and exhibit typical metallic properties such as high tensile strength, malleability, ductility, electrical and thermal conductivity.
Similarly, f-block elements are categorized into two series known as lanthanoids and actinoids, and they are also recognized as inner transition metals. These f-block elements also display metallic behavior, making both the d and f-block elements metals.
The presence of empty or half-filled d orbitals in transition metals is the reason behind the formation of colored ions in some d and f-block elements. Consequently, certain elements give rise to colored ions due to electronic transitions resulting in the absorption of specific wavelengths of light.
Moreover, the paramagnetic character observed in some elements is attributed to the existence of unpaired electrons in their electronic configurations. These unpaired electrons can be influenced by external magnetic fields, thus exhibiting paramagnetism in some d and f-block elements. |
