A chemistry student investigates an unidentified metallic element, X, located in Period 4 between calcium (Group 2) and gallium (Group 13). Laboratory testing reveals that element X reacts with chlorine gas to produce two distinct stable solid chlorides, each dissolving in water to form a distinctly colored solution—one pale green and the other yellow-brown. Based on its location in the periodic table and these characteristic properties, which statement correctly classifies element X?

A) Element X is an alkali metal because it readily reacts with halogens to form soluble ionic chloride salts.

B) Element X is an alkaline earth metal because it is positioned in Period 4 and easily donates valence electrons.

C) Element X is a transition metal because it occupies the d-block and displays variable oxidation states with colored aqueous ions.

D) Element X is a main-group metalloid because its intermediate position causes it to alternate between metallic and nonmetallic bonding.

Transition metals Transitional Reasoning Download PDF

Chemistry · The Periodic Table · Chemistry · Organization of the Periodic Table

1 Chemistry practice questions on Transition metals. Questions that build towards applied reasoning.

The Periodic Table · Chemistry

Choose a topic and keep learning.