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 ▸What is equilibrium in regards to chemical reactions?
Explain the change in first ionisation energy across period 2
Use the following information: [[[[2H2(g) + O2(g) → 2H2O(l) ∆H = −572 kJ mol−1]]]] [[[[2H2(g) + O2(g) → 2H2O(g) ∆H = −484 kJ mol−1]]]] to calculate the enthalpy change for the process: H2O(g) → H2O(l)
Explain whether phosphine or ammonia has a higher boiling point