Question

Choose the transition metal among the following which has only single ionic charge ?

Answer 1

Answer:

Silver (Ag)

Explanation:

The electronic configuration of copper is shown below;

[Kr]4d10 5s1

We can see that there is only one 5s1 electron. Hence Ag^+ tends to display a pseudo noble gas configuration. This pseudo noble gas configuration explains why silver is prevalent in the +1 oxidation state.

The other transition metals have many stable oxidation states found in nature. Chromium is observed both in +3 and +6 oxidation states. Iron is found in +2 and +3 oxidation states and copper is mostly stable in the +2 oxidation state since the +1 oxidation state readily disproportionate.

Hence silver tends to have only a single ionic charge for reasons aptly stated above.