Question

Silver atom has completely filled `d` orbitals `(4d^(10))` in its ground state. How can you say it is a transition element?

Answer 1

Silver `(Z=47)` belong to group 11 of d-block ( Cu, Ag, Au) and its outer electronic configuration is `4d^(10)5s^(1)`. It shows +1 oxidation state ( `4d^(10)` configuration) in silver halides ( e.g. AgCl). However, it can also exhibit +2 oxidation state ( `4d^(9)` configuration) in compound like `AgF_(2)` and AgO. Due to the presence of half filled d-orbital, silver is a transition metal