d and f block

1. The elements lying in the middle of Periodic Table between s-block and p-block
elements (i.e between group 2 and 13) are known as d-block or transition elements.
2. There are three transition series each of 10 elements:

(i) First transition series: It involves filling of 3d-orbitals. It starts from scandium (Z =
21) and goes upto zinc (Z = 30).
(ii) Second transition series: It involves filling of 4d-orbitals. It starts from yittrium
(Z=39) to cadmium (Z = 48).
(iii) Third transition series: It involves filling of 5d-orbitals. The first element of this
series is lanthanum (Z = 57). It is followed by 14 elements called lanthanides which
involve the filling of 4f-orbitals. The next nine elements from hafnium (Z = 72) to mercury
(Z = 80) belong to third transition series.

3. The f-block elements are called inner-transition elements.

4. All the transition elements are metallic in nature, good conductors, of heat and
electricity; show a gradual decrease in electropositive character in moving across a
period. Due to strong metallic bonds, these metals are hard, possess high densities,
high enthalpies of atomisation, high melting and boiling points and form alloys with other
metals.
5. The melting point of these first increases to maximum and then gradually decreases
towards the end of the series. The strength of metallic bonds is roughly related to
number of half-filled d-orbitals.

6. The radii of ions, having the same charge and magnitude, in a given series
decreases progressively with increase in atomic number. This is because of poor
shielding effect of d-electrons.
7. Ionisation energies of transition elements are higher than those of s-block elements
but lower than p-block elements. It generally increases from left to right in the series.
8. Transition metals exhibit a variety of oxidation states.
The variable oxidation states of transition metals are due to involvement of ns and (n –
1 )d- electrons in bonding.
9. Most of the transition metals are sufficiently electropositive. They react with mineral
acids liberating H2 gas.
10. Transition elements and many of their compounds are paramagnetic,

11. Formation of coloured compounds (both in solid state as well as in aqueous

solution) is another very common characteristics of transition metals. This is due to
absorption of some radiation from visible light to cause d-d transition of electrons in
transition metal atom.
12. In contrast to s-and p-block elements, the transition elements have the ability to
form complexes. This is because these elements
(a) have small highly charged ions, and
(b) contain vacant d-orbitals.
13. Many of transition metals and their compounds act as catalyst in variety of
reactions.
14. Transition metals form large number of interstitial compounds.
15. A large number of alloys are formed by transition metals. It is due to their atoms
mutually substitute their positions easily in their metal crystal lattices.
16. The oxides of transition metals in lower oxidation states are generally basic in
nature and those in, higher oxidation states are amphoteric or acidic in nature.
17. The f -block elements have been divided in two series depending upon the fact
whether the last electron (differentiating electron) enters 4f- orbitals or 5f-orbitals and
accordingly called lanthanides or actinides respectively
18. Actinides show several oxidation states but + 3 oxidation state is most common. The
highest oxidation state shown by actinides is + 7.
19. Properties of the lanthanides:
(a) General electronic configuration is [Xe] 4f1-14 5d0-1 6s2.
(b) The metals are silvery-white in colour. They are malleable, ductile, have low tensile
strength and are good conductors of heat and electricity.
(c) They have relatively high density and possess high melting points.
(d) The lanthanides exhibit a principle oxidation state of + 3. However, some elements
also exhibit + 2 (Eu2+) and + 4 (Ce4+)oxidation states.
(e) Many of the lanthanide ions are coloured due to the electronic transition between
different 4 f-levels.
(f) The majority of the lanthanide ions exhibit paramagnetism due to the presence of
unpaired electrons. The lanthanoid ions that do not exhibit paramagnetism are those
with either no 4f-electrons, e. g., La3+ and Ce4+ or with a completed 4f-level, e.g.,
Yb2+ and Lu3+.
(g) The lanthanides readily tarnish in air and bum to give trioxides (except cesium,
which forms Ce02).
(h) The oxides and hydroxides of the lanthanides are basic in character.
(i) The lanthanoid compounds are generally predominantly ionic.
20. This gradual decrease in atomic size across the first f- transition element series is
called lanthanoid contraction.
21. Properties of actinides:
(a) General electronic configuration is [Rn] 5f0-14 6ds0-1 7s2.
(b) The elements are all silvery-white metals.
(c) The melting points of the actinides are moderately high.
(d) The ionic size of the actinides decreases gradually along the series.
(e) The actinides have the ability to exhibit several oxidation states. However, +4
oxidation state is preferred in actinides.
(f) Some actinoid elements can exist in + 6 oxidation state, e.g., uranium, neptunium
and plutonium.
(g) Many actinoid elements are radioactive. The elements beyond uranium are man-
made.
(h) The actinides have a much greater tendency to form complexes than lanthanides.
 ELECTROCHEMISTRY CBSE QUESTIONS
1. (a) Write the cell reaction and calculate the e.m.f. of the following cell at 298K:
Sn (s) | Sn2+ (0.004 M) || H+ (0.020 M) | H2 (g) (1 bar) | Pt (s)
(Given : E 0 Sn2+ / Sn = 0.14) [All INDIA 2018]
2.(a) For the reaction,
2 AgCl (s) + H2 (g) (1 atm) ⎯⎯→ 2Ag (s) + 2H+ (0.1 M) + 2Cl– (0.1 M)
ΔGº = – 43600 J at 25ºC
Calculate the e.m.f. of the cell [log 10–n = –n] [All INDIA 2018]

3. (a)The cell in which the following reaction occurs : (Given : 1 F = 96,500 C mol1)
-
2 Fe3+ (aq) + 2 I (aq) 2 Fe2+ (aq) + I2 (s)
has E cell = 0·236 V at 298 K. Calculate the standard Gibbs energyof the cell reaction.
0

(b) How many electrons flow through a metallic wire if a current of

0·5 A is passed for 2 hours ? (Given : 1 F = 96,500 C mol1) [All INDIA 2017]

4.Calculate the degree of dissociation of acetic acid if its molar conductivity ( m) is 39.05
0 0
2
Scm mol–1.Given (H+) =349.6Scm mol–1 &
2
(CH3COO– =40.9 Scm mol–12

[DELHI 2017]

5. Calculate the mass of Ag deposited at cathode when a current of 2 amperes was passed
through a solution of AgNO3 for 15 minute.Given : Molar mass of Ag = 108 g mol–1 1F = 96500
C mol–1) [DELHI 2017]
(b) Define fuel cell.

6. The electrical resistance of a column of 0·05 M KOH solution of diameter 1 cm and length
45·5 cm is 4·55 x103 ohm. Calculate its molar Conductivity [FOREIGN2017]

7. Define electrochemical cell.what happens if external potential applied becomes greater than
E0 cell for electrochemical reaction [All INDIA 2016]
8.Calculate G 0 and log Kc for the following reaction at 298 K :
2Cr(s) + 3Fe2+(aq) 2Cr3+(aq) + 3Fe(s) Given : E0cell = 0.30 V
(b) Using the Evalues of A and B, predict which is better for coating the surface of iron
[E0(Fe2+ | Fe) = –0.44 V] to prevent corrosion and why ?
Given : E(A2+ | A) = –2.37 V : E(B2+| B) = –0.14 V [FOREIGN2016]

9. (a) The conductivity of 0.001 mol L–1 solution of CH3COOH is 3.905 10–5 S cm–1.
Calculate its molar conductivity and degree of dissociation ().
0
Given : (H+) = 349.6 S cm2 mol–1 and 0
(CH3COO–) = 40.9 S cm2 mol–1.
(b) What type of battery is lead storage battery ? Write the overall reaction
occurring in lead storage battery. [FOREIGN, AI, G, P,C 2016] ,

10. Calculate the emf of cell ( E0 cell = 0.40V) [DELHI

2016]
2Cr(s) + 3Fe2+(aq)(0.1M) 2Cr3+(aq)(0.01M) + 3Fe(s)

11.Fe | Fe2+(0.001 M) || H+(0.01 M) | H2(g) (1 bar) | Pt(s) E°(Fe2+ | Fe) = –0.44 V E°(H+ |
H2)0.00V Calculate emf of the following cell at 25 °C :
Fe | Fe2+(0.001 M) || H+(0.01 M) | H2(g) (1 bar) | Pt(s)
E°(Fe2+ | Fe) = –0.44 V E°(H+ | H2) = 0.00 V [DELHI, PANCHKULA, FOREIGN2015]

12.Calculate the time to deposit 1.5 g of silver at cathode when a current of1.5 A was
passed through the solution of AgNO3. (Molar mass ofAg = 108 g mol/1 [AJMER 2015]

13.Calculate E0cell and rG0 for the following reaction at 25ºC :

A2+ + B+ A3+ + B (Given : Kc = 1010, 1 F = 96500 C mol/1) [AJMER 2015]

14.Calculate the time to deposit 1.17 g of Ni at cathode when a current of 5 A was

passed through the solution of Ni(NO3)2. (Ni= 58.5g) [BHUBANESWAR 2015]

15.Calculate E 0cell for the following reaction at 25ºC : [BHUBANESWAR 2015]

A + B2+ (0.001 M) A2+ (0.0001 M) + B Given : E0cell = 2.6805

16. Calculate e.m.f. and G 0 for the following cell at 298 K :

[PATNA,CHENNAI,G 2015] DELHI 2014
Mg (s) | Mg2+ (0.01 M) || Ag+ (0.0001 M) | Ag (s)
Given : E0 (Mg 2+ /Mg)= – 2.37 V, E0(Ag+ /Ag )= + 0.80 V.

17. Calculate the standard cell potential of the galvanic cell in which the following
reaction takes place : [OUTSIDE DELHI 2015]
Fe (aq) + Ag (aq)
2+ +
Fe (aq) + Ag(s)
3+

18.Calculate the DrG° and equilibrium constant of the reaction also.

(E° Ag+/Ag= 0.80 V; E°Fe3+/Fe2+ = 0.77 V)
Calculate rG 0 for the reaction [All INDIA 2014]
Mg (s) + Cu2+ (aq) Mg2+ (aq) + Cu (s)
Given: E0cell = + 2.71 V, 1 F = 96500 C mol–1
19 .The measured resistance of a conductance cell was 100 ohms. Calculate (i) the
specific conductance and (ii) the molar conductance of the solution.
(KCl = 74.5 g mol–1 and cell constant = 1.25 cm–1) [DELHI C 2014]
20. The resistance of 0.01 M NaCl solution at 25 0 C is 200 Ω. The cell
constant of the conductivity cell used is unity. Calculate the molar
conductivity of the solution. [OUTSIDE DELHI C 2014]

21.Resistance of a conductivity cell filled with 0.1 mol/L KCl solution is 100 Ω.
If the resistance of the same cell when filled with 0.02 mol/L KCl, solution is
520 d2, calculate the conductivity and molar conductivity of 0.02 mol/L KCI solution. The
conductivity of 0.1 mol/ L KCl solution is 1.29 x 10-2 Ω-1 cm-1 [DELHI 2014]

22.Equilibrium constant (Kc) for the given cell reaction is 10. Calculate E0cell .

[FOREIGN2014]

KINETICS CBSE BOARD QUESTION

1.For the reaction
2N2O5 (g) → 4NO2 (g) + O2 (g)
the rate of formation of NO2 (g) is 2.8 × 10–3 M s . Calculate the rate of disappearance of N2O5
–1

(g). [All INDIA 2018 ]

2. A first order reaction is 50 % completed in 40 minutes at 300 K and in 20 minutes at 320
K. Calculate the activation energy of the reaction. [All INDIA 2018 ]

3.Half-life for a first order reaction is 693 s. Calculate the time required for 90%
completion of this reaction. [All INDIA 2017C ]

4.For the first order decomposition of azoisopropane to hexane and nitrogen at 543 K,
the following data were obtained :

Experiment Time(s) Pressure (mmHg)

1 0 35.0
2 720 63.0
Calculate the rate constant. The equation for the reaction is :
(CH3)2 CHN = NCH(CH3)2 C6H14(g) + N2(g)
[Given : log 3 = 0.4771; log 5 = 0.6990] [DELHI 2017C]

5.For a chemical reaction RP, variation in log [Ro]/[R] vs time plot is given below :
6. For this reaction :
(i) Predict the order of reaction
(ii) What is the unit of rate constant (k) ? [DELHI 2017C]

7. A first order reaction takes 20 minutes for 25% decomposition. Calculate

the time when 75% of the reaction will be completed. [All INDIA 2017]

8. Following data are obtained for the reaction :

N2O5 2NO2 + ½O2

(a) Show that it follows first order reaction.

(b) Calculate the half-life. [DELHI 2017]

9. (a) A first order reaction is 75% completed in 40 minutes. Calculate its t1/2.
(b) Predict the order of the reaction in the given plots : [FOREIGN 2017]

where [R]o is the initial concentration of reactant

10. The following data were obtained for the reaction :
2 NO + O2 2 NO2

(a) Find the order of reaction with respect to NO and O2.

(b) Write the rate law and overall order of reaction.
(c) Calculate the rate constant (k). [FOREIGN 2017]

11. Show that in a first order reaction, time required for completion of 99.9% is 10 times
that of half-life (t½) of the reaction. [FOREIGN 2016]

12.Derive integrated rate equation for rate constant for a first order reaction.

13. For the first order thermal decomposition reaction, following data were obtained :
C2H5Cl(g) C2H4(g) + HCl(g)
Time/sec Total pressure / atm
0 0.30
300 0.50
Calculate the rate constant. [All INDIA 2016]

14. The rate constant of reaction for the first order decomposition of H O is given by equation:
log K= 14.2 – 1.0x 104 K (R=8.314 J/K- mol) [DELHI 2016]

T
Calculate Ea for this reaction and rate constant k if its half life period be 200 min.

15.For the hydrolysis of methyl acetate in aqueous solution, the following results were
obtained :

[DELHI ,AI 2015]

(i) Show that it follows pseudo first order reaction, as the concentration of water
(ii) Calculate the average rate of reaction between the time interval 30 to 60 seconds.

16 .(a) For a reaction A + B P, the rate is given by

Rate = k[A] [B]2
(i) How is the rate of reaction affected if the concentration of B is doubled ?
(ii) What is the overall order of reaction if A is present in large excess ?
(b) A first order reaction takes 30 minutes for 50% completion. Calculate the time
required for 90% completion of this reaction. [DELHI ,AI 2015]

17.A first order reaction takes 10 minutes for 25% decomposition. [FOREIGN,G 2015 ]
Calculate t1/2 for the reaction

18.Show that the time required for 99% completion is double of the [FOREIGN 2015]
time required for the completion of 90% reaction.

19.The rate constant for a first order reaction is 60 s–1. How much time will it take to
reduce the initial concentration of the reactant to its 1/10th value ? [OUTSIDE DELHI 2015]

20.A first order reaction takes 23.1 minutes for 50% completion.Calculate the time required for
75% completion of this reaction. [AJMER, PANCHKULA 2015]

21.The rate constant of a first order reaction increases from 4 102to 24 102 when the
temperature changes from 300 K to 350 K.Calculate the energy of activation (Ea).
[BHUBANESWAR, PATNA 2015]
22. The rate constant of a first order reaction increases from 4 102
to 8 102 when the temperature changes from 27C to 37C.
Calculate the energy of activation (Ea). [PANCHKULA,CHENNAI 2015]

23.The following data were obtained during the first order thermal
decomposition of SO2Cl2 at a constant volume :
SO2Cl2 (g) SO2 (g) + Cl2 (g)

[All INDIA ,DELHI 2014]

Calculate the rate constant.

24.Hydrogen peroxide, H2O2 (aq) decomposes to H2O (l) and O2 (g) in a

reaction that is first order in H2O2 and has a rate constant [DELHI C 2014]
k = 1.06 X 10–3 min–1.
(i) How long will it take for 15% of a sample of H2O2 to decompose ?
(ii) How long will it take for 85% of the sample to decompose ?

25.For a decomposition reaction, the values of k at two different temperatures are given below :
k1 = 2.15 10–8 L/(mol.s) at 650 K [OUTSIDE DELHI C 2014]
k2 = 2.39 10–7 L/(mol.s) at 700 K
Calculate the value of Ea for the reaction. (Log 11.11 = 1.046) (R = 8.314 J K–1 mol–1)

SOLUTION CBSE QUESTIONS

1.A Solution containing 1.9g per 100mL of KCl (M=74.5g/mol) is isotonic with a solution
with a solution containing with 3g per 100mL of Urea (M=60g/mol). Calculate the degree
dissociation of KCl solution. Assume that both the solutions have same temperature.
[All INDIA 2019]

2. A 4% solution (by mass) of sucrose in water has a freezing point of 271·15 K. Calculate the
freezing point of 5% glucose in water ifthe freezing point of pure water is 273·15 K. Given :
(Molar mass of sucrose = 342 g mol-1)(Molar mass of glucose = 180 g mol-1) [DELHI 2019]

3. Calculate the freezing point of an aqueous solution containing 10.5 g of Magnesium

bromide in 200 g of water, assuming complete dissociation of Magnesium bromide.
(Molar mass of Magnesium bromide = 184 g mol–1, Kf for water = 1.86 K kg mol-1).
[All INDIA 2018C]

4.The freezing point of benzene decreases by 2.12K when 2.5 of benzoic acid ( Molar
mass of benzoic acid = 122 g mol-1) is dissolved in 25 g benzene. If benzoic acid forms a dimer in
benzene, calculate the Vant’s Hoff factor and the percentage of association of benzoic acid. (Kf
for benzene = 4.9 K kg mol-1) [All INDIA 2018]

5.Calculate the freezing point of a solution containing 60 g of glucose (Molar mass =

180 g mol-1) in 250 g of water. (Kf of water = 1.86 K kg mol -1) [All INDIA 2018]

6. A 10% solution (by mass) of sucrose in water has a freezing point of 269·15 K. Calculate the
freezing point of 10% glucose in water ifthe freezing point of pure water is 273·15 K. Given :
(Molar mass of sucrose = 342 g mol-1)(Molar mass of glucose = 180 g mol-1) [All INDIA 2017] ,
[DELHI 2017]

7.30 g of urea (M = 60 g mol-1) is dissolved in 846 g of water. Calculate the vapour pressure of
water for this solution if vapour pressure of pure water at 298 K is 23·8 mm Hg. [All INDIA
2017]

8.A solution of glucose (Molar mass = 180 g mol-1) in water has a boiling point of 100·20C.
Calculate the freezing point of the same solution. Molal constants for water Kf and Kb are 1·86 K
kg mol-1 and 0·512 K kg mol-1 respectively. [FOREIGN2017]
9.Henry’s law constant for CO2 in water is 1.67 x 108 Pa at 298 K. Calculate the number of moles
of CO2 in 500 ml of soda water when packed under
2.53 x 105 Pa at the same temperature. [All INDIA 2017C]

10. Calculate the boiling point elevation for a solution prepared by adding
10 g CaCl2 to 200 g of water, assuming that CaCl2 is completely dissociated.
(Kb for water = 0.512 K kgmol–1; Molar mass of CaCl2 = 111 g mol–1) [All INDIA 2017C]

11.The vapour pressure of pure liquids A and B at 400 K are 450 and 700 mmHg
respectively. Find out the composition of liquid mixture if total vapour pressure at this
temperature is 600 mmHg. [DELHI 2017C]

[All INDIA 2016]

[DELHI 2016] , [FOREIGN2016]

[DELHI 2016]

15. A solution is prepared by dissolving 10 g of non-volatile solute in 200 g of water. It has a

vapour pressure of 31.84 mm Hg at 308 K. Calculate the molar mass of the solute. (Vapour
pressure of pure water at 308 K = 32 mm Hg) [All INDIA 2015]

16. 3.9 g of benzoic acid dissolved in 49 g of benzene shows a depression in freezing point of
1.62 K. Calculate the van’t Hoff factor and predict the nature of solute (associated or
dissociated). (Given : Molar mass of benzoic acid = 122 g mol-1, Kf for benzene = 4.9 K kg mol-1)
[DELHI 2015]

17. Calculate the mass of NaCl (molar mass = 58·5 g mol-1) to be dissolved in 37·2 g of water to
lower the freezing point by 2C, assuming that NaCl undergoes complete dissociation. (Kf for
water = 1·86 K kg mol-1) [FOREIGN2015]

18. A solution of glucose (molar mass = 180 g mol–1) in water is labelled as 10% (by mass).
What would be the molality and molarity of the solution ?
(Density of solution = 1.2 g mL–1) [All INDIA 2014]
19.A solution containing 15 g urea (molar mass = 60 g mol-1) per litre of solution in water has the
same osmotic pressure (isotonic) as a solution of glucose
(molar mass = 180 g mol-1) in water. Calculate the mass of glucose present in one litre of its
solution. [All INDIA 2014]

20. Calculate the mass of compound (molar mass = 256 gmol -1) to be dissolved in 75 g
of benzene to lower its freezing point by 0.48 K (& = 5.tZ K kg mol -1). [DELHI 2014]

21.Calculate the boiling point elevation for a solution prepared by adding 10 g of CaCl2 to 200 g
of water. (Kb for water = 0.512 K kg mol-1, Molar mass of CaCl2 = 111 g mol–1)
[FOREIGN2014]

22.Calculate the molarity of 9.8% (w/w) solution of H2SO4 if the density of the solution is 1.02 g
ml-1. (Molar mass of H2SO4 = 98 g mol–1) [FOREIGN2014]

23.How many mL of a 0.1 M HCl solution are required to react completely with 1 g of a mixture
of Na2CO3 and NaHCO3 containing equimolar amounts of both ?
(Molar mass : Na2CO3 = 106 g, NaHCO3 = 84 g) [All INDIA 2014C]

24.Assuming complete dissociation, calculate the expected freezing point of a solution prepared
by dissolving 6.00 g of Glauber’s salt,Na2SO4.10 H2O in 0.100 kg of water.
(Kf for water = 1.86 K kg mol-1), Atomic masses : Na = 23, S = 32, O = 16, H = 1)
[All INDIA 2014C]

25.Some ethylene glycol, HOCH2CH2OH, is added to your car’s cooling system along with 5 kg
of water. If the freezing point of water-glycol solution is – 15.0C, what is the boiling point of
the solution ? (Kb = 0.52 K kg mol-1 and Kf = 1.86 K kg mol-1 for water)
[DELHI 2014C]

26.Determine the osmotic pressure of a solution prepared by dissolving 25mg of K2SO4 in 2L

of water at 25oC assuming that it is completely dissociated.
(R= 0.0821 L-atm-K-1 mol-1) [DELHI 2013]

27. A solution of glycerol (C3H8O3) in water was prepared by dissolving some glycerol in 500g
of water. This solution has a boiling point of 100.42oC while pure water boils at 100 °C.What
mass of glycerol was dissolved to make the solution?(Kb for water = 0.512K kgmol-1) [DELHI
2012]

28. A solution prepared by 8.95mg dissolving of a gene fragment in 35.0mL of water has an
osmotic pressure of 0.335 torr at 25oC Assuming that the gene fragment is a non-electrolyte,
calculate its molar mass. [DELHI 2011]

29. What mass of NaCl (Molar mass= 58.5g/mol) must be dissolved in 65 g of water to lower the
freezing point by 7.5oC ? The freezing point depression constant,
for water is 1.86 K kg mol-1. Assume van’t Hoff factor for NaCl is 1.87. [DELHI 2010]
30. A solution contains 5·85 g NaCl (Molar mass = 58·5 g mol–1) per litre of solution. It has an
osmotic pressure of 4·75 atm at 27C. Calculate the degree of dissociation of NaCl in this
solution. (Given : R = 0·082 L atm K–1 mol–1) [All INDIA 2020]

31, When 19·5 g of F – CH2 – COOH (Molar mass = 78 g mol–1) is dissolved in 500 g of water,
the depression in freezing point is observed to be 1C. Calculate the degree of dissociation of F –
CH2 – COOH. [Given : Kf for water = 1·86 K kg mol–1]
[All INDIA 2020]