Why do transition metals show a number of oxidation states?

1.	Why do transition metals show a number of oxidation states?
Answer» Transition elements usually exist in several different oxidation states and the oxidation states changes in units of one, e.g. Fe²⁺ and Fe⁺³, Cu⁺¹ and Cu⁺². In the transition elements, the energies of (n-1)d orbitals and ns orbitals are very close. Hence electrons from both can participate in bonding. Therefore they show a number of oxidation states.

Answer»

Transition elements usually exist in several different oxidation states and the oxidation states changes in units of one, e.g. Fe²⁺ and Fe⁺³, Cu⁺¹ and Cu⁺².

In the transition elements, the energies of (n-1)d orbitals and ns orbitals are very close. Hence electrons from both can participate in bonding. Therefore they show a number of oxidation states.

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Why do transition metals show a number of oxidation states?

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