Chapter 20, Problem 20.49SP

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The reason for the highest oxidation state for each of the elements from $\text{Sc}\text{to}\text{Zn}$ has to be determined.

Concept Introduction:

Oxidation number: It is the charge of the atom in a molecule if electrons were completely transferred. The oxidation state of free element is zero.

Transition metals shows variable oxidation states in their compounds.

Oxidation: If electrons are moved from a species during a chemical reaction. The species whose electrons are removed is said to be oxidized.

Oxidizing agent: The substances that are capable to oxidize other species by accepting electrons from those species are called oxidizing agent which gets reduced during the process.

Effective nuclear charge: It is the charge experienced by the valence electrons from the nucleus. Effective nuclear charge increases across a period because increasing nuclear charge with no accompanying increase in shielding effect.