Question

STATEMENT - 1: For two ions of the same size and charge, one with an $(n-1)d^{x}n{s}^0$, electronic configuration will be more polarizing than a cation with an $(n-1)s^2(n-1)p^{6}n{s}^{\circ }$, electronic configuration.
STATEMENT - 2: Compounds of $H{g}^{2+}$ ions having an ionic radius of $116pm$ are more covalent in character than those of $C{a}^{2+}$ ions with almost identical size $(114pm)$ and the same charge.

• A. Statement-1 is True, Statement-2 is True; Statement-2 is a correct explanation for Statement-1.
• B. Statement-1 is True, Statement-2 is True; Statement-2 is NOT a correct explanation for Statement-1
• C. Statement-1 is True, Statement-2 is False
• D. Statement-1 is False, Statement-2 is True

Answer 1

Answer: (B)

Transition metal ions have pseudo inert gas configuration which have higher polarising power due to poor shielding of d-electrons. Alkali metal and alkaline earth metal ions have less polarising power due to inert gas configuration (more shielding effect of s-and p-electrons as compared to d-electrons).