Explain why transition metals form coloured compounds when bonded to a ligand.
The transition metals have five distinct orbitals in their third energy level. When bonded to a ligand these orbitals are separated into two groups located at two slightly different energy levels. The difference of these levels in the complex ion formed corresponds to the energy of a photon in the visible spectrum of the electromagnetic waves so when white light shines at the ion photons of this energy get absorbed. The result is a compound with a colour opposite of the absorbed photon's colour on the colour wheel.
Related Chemistry IB answers
All answers ▸Under which conditions does CH4 have the same number of molecules as 100cm^3 of O2 at 27 degrees celsius and 1.0x10^5 Pa?
Why in a strong acid and strong bases reaction, a drop of acid added would not change its PH dramatically but has a big drop near the equivalent point?
Calculate: (a) The amount, in mol, of white phosphorus used, (b) the limiting reagent, (c) the excess amount, in mol, of the other reagent.
Forgot to put question for the interview