The most common oxidation states of 3d series elements

Options

A. `+2`
B. `+3`
C. `+4`
D. `+7`

Answer

To determine the most common oxidation states of the 3d series elements (transition metals) in the periodic table, we will analyze each element from scandium (atomic number 21) to zinc (atomic number 30).

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Identify the 3d Series Elements**:
The 3d series elements include scandium (Sc, 21), titanium (Ti, 22), vanadium (V, 23), chromium (Cr, 24), manganese (Mn, 25), iron (Fe, 26), cobalt (Co, 27), nickel (Ni, 28), copper (Cu, 29), and zinc (Zn, 30).

2. **Determine the Electron Configuration**:
- Scandium (Sc): [Ar] 3d¹ 4s²
- Titanium (Ti): [Ar] 3d² 4s²
- Vanadium (V): [Ar] 3d³ 4s²
- Chromium (Cr): [Ar] 3d⁵ 4s¹
- Manganese (Mn): [Ar] 3d⁵ 4s²
- Iron (Fe): [Ar] 3d⁶ 4s²
- Cobalt (Co): [Ar] 3d⁷ 4s²
- Nickel (Ni): [Ar] 3d⁸ 4s²
- Copper (Cu): [Ar] 3d¹⁰ 4s¹
- Zinc (Zn): [Ar] 3d¹⁰ 4s²

3. **Identify Possible Oxidation States**:
- Sc: +2, +3
- Ti: +2, +3, +4
- V: +2, +3, +4, +5
- Cr: +2, +3, +4, +5, +6
- Mn: +2, +3, +4, +5, +6, +7
- Fe: +2, +3, +4, +5, +6
- Co: +2, +3, +4
- Ni: +2, +3, +4
- Cu: +1, +2
- Zn: +2

4. **Find the Most Common Oxidation State**:
- The oxidation state that appears most frequently across all elements is +2.
- Scandium, titanium, vanadium, chromium, manganese, iron, cobalt, nickel, copper, and zinc all exhibit the +2 oxidation state.

5. **Conclusion**:
The most common oxidation state of the 3d series elements is +2.

### Final Answer:
The most common oxidation state of the 3d series elements is **+2**.