Arrange the following metals in increasing order of expected melting points: Mo, Zr, Y, Nb. Explain this trend in melting points.

Verified step by step guidance

Step 1: Understand the concept of melting points in metals. Melting points are influenced by the strength of metallic bonds, which depend on factors such as atomic size, electron configuration, and the number of valence electrons.

Step 2: Consider the position of each metal in the periodic table. Molybdenum (Mo), Zirconium (Zr), Yttrium (Y), and Niobium (Nb) are all transition metals, and their properties can be compared based on their group and period.

Step 3: Analyze the electron configuration of each metal. Transition metals have partially filled d-orbitals, and the number of electrons in these orbitals can affect the strength of metallic bonding.

Step 4: Compare the atomic sizes of the metals. Generally, smaller atoms can pack more closely together, leading to stronger metallic bonds and higher melting points.

Step 5: Arrange the metals based on the analysis of their atomic size, electron configuration, and position in the periodic table to determine the trend in melting points.

Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Melting Point Trends in Metals

The melting point of metals is influenced by their atomic structure and bonding. Generally, metals with stronger metallic bonds, which arise from a higher number of delocalized electrons, exhibit higher melting points. Transition metals, like those in the question, often have varying melting points due to differences in their electron configurations and crystal lattice structures.

Transition Metals

Transition metals are elements found in the d-block of the periodic table, characterized by their ability to form variable oxidation states and complex ions. They typically have high melting points due to the presence of d-electrons that contribute to metallic bonding. The specific arrangement of these d-electrons can significantly affect the melting point of each metal.

Periodic Trends

Periodic trends refer to the predictable patterns observed in the properties of elements as you move across or down the periodic table. For melting points, as you move from left to right across a period, melting points generally increase due to stronger bonding. However, this trend can vary among groups, especially in transition metals, where factors like atomic size and electron configuration play critical roles.

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Periodic Trends

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