AQA A-Level Chemistry AS Paper 1, November 2021: Question 17
1 mark · Easy difficulty · Multiple Choice
Identify which of the given elements is classified as a d-block element.
Practise this questionQuestion
Question text
17 Which element is classified as a d block element?
[1 mark]
A Antimony
B Molybdenum
C Strontium
D Uranium
Mark scheme
Show the mark scheme
17 B 1 Molybdenum
How to answer it
Classifying d-Block Elements
This question assesses your knowledge of the periodic table layout, specifically the classification of elements into the s, p, d, and f blocks based on their highest energy occupied sub-shell (electron configurations).
Question 17
Identifying a d-block element
✅ Correct Answer
B: Molybdenum
Molybdenum (Mo, atomic number 42) is located in the transition metal series (period 5, group 6) and features a 4d configuration in its outer shell.
💡 Key Knowledge
- s-block: Groups 1 and 2 (plus Helium). Outer electrons fill s orbitals.
- p-block: Groups 13 to 18. Outer electrons fill p orbitals.
- d-block: Transition elements located in the center (Groups 3 to 12). Outer electrons fill d orbitals.
- f-block: Lanthanides and actinides separated at the bottom of the periodic table.
🧠 Exam Technique
For unfamiliar elements, use your periodic table insert in the exam. Locate the element's position relative to known blocks (e.g., transition metals are in the central d-block block).
❌ Common Errors
- Confusing Strontium (Sr) (Group 2, s-block) for a transition metal because it sounds metallic.
- Mistaking Uranium (U) for a d-block element when it is actually an actinide (f-block).
- Guessing Antimony (Sb), which is a metalloid located in the p-block (Group 15).
Topics
Inorganic Chemistry · 3.2.1 Periodicity
Question and mark scheme from the AQA A-Level Chemistry examination, AS Paper 1, November 2021. QuestionVault is an independent revision resource; questions remain the copyright of the awarding body.