Chapter 23, Problem 23.1QP

What distinguishes a transition metal from a representative metal?

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The transition metal from a representative metal (main group metals) has to be distinguished.

Explanation of Solution

The transition metals have various oxidation states (ranges from $\text{+3}\text{to}\text{+7}$), whereas the main group elements have definite oxidation states.  Main group elements share their electrons to form a covalent bonding.  Transition metals either have incompletely filled d-subshells or ions forms with incompletely filled d-subshells.