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d and f Block Elements

KCET Previous Year Questions

2017 – 2025 | 25 Questions with Detailed Solutions

Subject: Chemistry – II PUC

Chapter: d and f Block Elements

Coverage: KCET 2017 to 2025

Questions: 25 PYQs with Full Solutions

Includes: Topic Explanation + KCET 2026 Important Topics

"Master Every Question. Score Full Marks in 2026!"

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Chemistry | d and f Block Elements | KCET PYQ 2017–2025

Chapter Overview

Total Questions 25

Years Covered KCET 2017 – 2025

Key Topics Colour, Magnetism, Oxidation States, Lanthanoids, Electronic Config

Questions per Year 2025: 3 | 2024: 3 | 2023: 1 | 2022: 3 | 2021: 3 | 2020: 2 | 2019: 5 | 2018: 2 | 2017: 2

Previous Year Questions with Solutions

Q1 KCET 2025

Topic: Colour of Transition Metal Ions (d-d Transition)

In the following pairs, the one in which both transition metal ions are colourless is
A. Sc3+, Zn2+
B. V2+, Ti3+
C. Zn2+, Mn2+
D. Ti4+, Cu2+

✔ Answer: Option A
Solution:
Colour in transition metal ions arises from d–d electronic transitions. Ions with completely empty d-orbitals (d0) or
completely filled d-orbitals (d10) cannot undergo d–d transitions and are therefore colourless. Sc3+: [Ar]3d0 (empty
d-orbitals) — colourless. Zn2+: [Ar]3d10 (fully filled d-orbitals) — colourless. Both lack d–d transitions, so the pair Sc3+,
Zn2+ is colourless.

Q2 KCET 2025

Topic: Lanthanoids – Oxidation States

A member of the Lanthanoid series which is well known to exhibit +4 oxidation state is
A. Samarium
B. Europium
C. Erbium
D. Cerium

✔ Answer: Option D
Solution:
Cerium (Ce, Z = 58) is the lanthanoid best known for the +4 oxidation state. Electronic configuration of Ce: [Xe]4f15d16s2.
As Ce4+: [Xe]4f05d06s0 — achieves a stable noble-gas-like configuration. Ce4+ is a powerful oxidising agent used in
titrimetric analysis (cerimetry).

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Q3 KCET 2025

Topic: Electronic Configuration of Transition Metals

In which of the following pairs, both the elements do not have (n-1)d10ns2 configuration?
A. Cu, Zn
B. Zn, Cd
C. Cd, Hg
D. Ag, Cu

✔ Answer: Option D
Solution:
The configuration (n-1)d10ns2 is the regular expected configuration for d10 elements. However, Cu and Ag are
exceptions: Cu: [Ar]3d104s1 (not 4s2), Ag: [Kr]4d105s1 (not 5s2). Zn: [Ar]3d104s2 ✓, Cd: [Kr]4d105s2 ✓, Hg:
[Xe]4f145d106s2 ✓. Both Ag and Cu lack ns2, so option D is correct.

Q4 KCET 2024

Topic: Magnetic Properties of Transition Metal Compounds

MnO exhibits
A. ferrimagnetism
B. antiferromagnetism
C. ferromagnetism
D. paramagnetism

✔ Answer: Option B
Solution:
MnO exhibits antiferromagnetism. In antiferromagnetic substances, the magnetic domains are aligned in antiparallel
orientation — adjacent magnetic moments cancel each other out, resulting in zero net magnetic moment. MnO has a
domain structure similar to ferromagnetic substances, but the domains are oppositely oriented.

Q5 KCET 2024

Topic: Misch Metal / Lanthanoids – Applications

The transition element (~5%) present with lanthanoid metal in misch metal is
A. Mg
B. Fe
C. Zn
D. Co

✔ Answer: Option B
Solution:
Misch metal is an alloy composed of approximately 95% lanthanoid metals (mainly Ce, La, Nd, Pr) and ~5% iron (Fe),
along with traces of S, C, Ca, and Al. It is used in the production of lighter flints (pyrophoric alloy) and as a catalyst. Iron is
the transition element present.

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Q6 KCET 2024

Topic: Electronic Configuration and Properties of Transition Ions

2+
(i) d configuration II. Cu2+ (ii) Colourless III. Ni2+ (iii) µ = 1.73 BM
8
Match the following: I. Zn
A. I-(i), II-(ii), III-(iii)
B. I-(ii), II-(iii), III-(i)
C. I-(ii), II-(i), III-(iii)
D. I-(i), II-(iii), III-(ii)

✔ Answer: Option B
Solution:
Zn2+ (Z=30): config 3d10 — no unpaired electrons → colourless (ii). Cu2+ (Z=29): config 3d9 — 1 unpaired electron → µ =
√(1×3) = 1.73 BM (iii). Ni2+ (Z=28): config 3d8 → d8 configuration (i). Correct match: I-(ii), II-(iii), III-(i).

Q7 KCET 2024

Topic: Lanthanoids – Properties

Which of the following statements related to lanthanoids is incorrect?

A. Lanthanoids are silvery white soft metals.
B. Samarium shows +2 oxidation state.
C. Ce+4 solutions are widely used as oxidising agents in titrimetric analysis.
D. Colour of lanthanoid ion in solution is due to d–d transition.

✔ Answer: Option D
Solution:
Statement D is incorrect. The colour of lanthanoid ions in solution is NOT due to d–d transition. Lanthanoids have
electrons in f-orbitals, so the colour arises from f–f electronic transitions (not d–d transitions). f–f transitions involve very
little interaction with ligands. All other statements (A, B, C) are correct facts about lanthanoids.

Q8 KCET 2023

Topic: Physical Properties of Transition Metals – Melting Point

Which of the following is correct with respect to melting point of a transition element?
A. V > Cr
B. Cr > Mn
C. Mn > Fe
D. Ti > V

✔ Answer: Option B
Solution:
In general, melting points of transition elements increase from left to right across the period due to increasing number of
unpaired d-electrons available for metallic bonding. However, Mn is an exception — it has a half-filled d5 configuration
with all electrons unpaired but in separate orbitals, leading to weaker metallic bonding. Cr (d5s1) has a higher melting
point than Mn (d5s2). Actual melting points (°C): Cr ≈ 1907, Mn ≈ 1246. So Cr > Mn is correct.

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Q9 KCET 2022

Topic: Oxidation States of Transition Metals

A transition metal exists in its highest oxidation state. It is expected to behave as

A. a central metal in a coordination compound
B. an oxidising agent
C. a reducing agent
D. a chelating agent

✔ Answer: Option B
Solution:
When a transition metal is in its highest oxidation state, it has lost maximum electrons and has the highest electron
deficiency. Such metals have a strong tendency to gain electrons (get reduced), thereby acting as oxidising agents.
Examples: MnO4- (Mn is +7), Cr2O72- (Cr is +6) — both are powerful oxidising agents.

Q10 KCET 2022

Topic: Magnetic Moment of Transition Metal Ions

x+
What will be the value of x in Fe , if the magnetic moment µ = √24 BM?
A. +3
B. 0
C. +1
D. +2

✔ Answer: Option D
Solution:
Formula: µ = √(n(n+2)) BM, where n = number of unpaired electrons. Given µ = √24. So: √24 = √(n(n+2)) → n(n+2) = 24
→ n2+2n-24 = 0 → (n-4)(n+6) = 0 → n = 4 (taking positive value). Fe has config [Ar]3d64s2. Fe2+: [Ar]3d6 → 4 unpaired
electrons (d6 with Hund's rule). So x = +2.

Q11 KCET 2022

Topic: Lanthanoids – Radioactivity

The only lanthanoid which is radioactive

A. cerium
B. promethium
C. praseodymium
D. lanthanum

✔ Answer: Option B
Solution:
Promethium (Pm, Z = 61) is the only lanthanoid that is radioactive. It has no stable isotopes. All its isotopes are
radioactive and it does not occur naturally in appreciable amounts. It is produced artificially in nuclear reactors. It is used
in nuclear-powered batteries and as a source of X-rays.

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Q12 KCET 2021

Topic: Paramagnetic Behaviour / Properties of Transition Metal Ions

Which of the following does not represent property stated against it?
A. Co2+ < Fe2+ < Mn2+ – Ionic size
B. Ti < V < Mn – Number of oxidation states
C. Cr2+ < Mn2+ < Fe2+ – Paramagnetic behaviour
D. Sc > Cr > Fe – Density

✔ Answer: Option C
Solution:
Option C is incorrect. Paramagnetic behaviour depends on number of unpaired electrons: Cr2+: [Ar]3d4 → 4 unpaired
electrons, Mn2+: [Ar]3d5 → 5 unpaired electrons (maximum!), Fe2+: [Ar]3d6 → 4 unpaired electrons. Order of
paramagnetism: Mn2+ > Cr2+ = Fe2+. So Cr2+ < Fe2+ < Mn2+ would be correct, but Cr2+ and Fe2+ are equal — stating
Cr2+ < Mn2+ < Fe2+ is wrong.

Q13 KCET 2021

Topic: Properties of 3d Transition Series (Sc to Cu)

Which one of the following is correct for all elements from Sc to Cu?
A. The lowest oxidation state shown by them is +2
B. 4s orbital is completely filled in the ground state
C. 3d orbital is not completely filled in the ground state
D. The ions in +2 oxidation states are paramagnetic

✔ Answer: Option D
Solution:
From Sc2+ to Cu2+, ALL ions in +2 oxidation state are paramagnetic because they all have at least one unpaired
d-electron. Option A is wrong (Sc shows +3 as lowest/only common state). Option B is wrong (Cu: [Ar]3d104s1, 4s is
half-filled). Option C is wrong (Zn, Cu have filled 3d). Option D is correct — all M2+ ions from Sc to Cu have ≥1 unpaired
electron.

Q14 KCET 2021

Topic: Colour of Transition Metal Ions

Which of the following pairs has both the ions coloured in aqueous solution? [Atomic numbers:
Sc=21, Ti=22, Ni=28, Cu=29, Mn=25]
A. Sc3+, Mn2+
B. Ni2+, Ti4+
C. Ti3+, Cu+
D. Mn2+, Ti3+

✔ Answer: Option D
Solution:
Ions are coloured only if they have partially filled d-orbitals (d1–d9): Sc3+: 3d0 → colourless; Ti3+: 3d1 → violet (coloured);
Mn2+: 3d5 → pink (coloured); Ni2+: 3d8 → green (coloured); Cu+: 3d10 → colourless; Ti4+: 3d0 → colourless. Only option
D (Mn2+, Ti3+) — both coloured.

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Q15 KCET 2020

Topic: Paramagnetism – Identifying Paramagnetic Ions

Identify the set of paramagnetic ions among the following.

A. V2+, Co2+, Ti4+
B. Ni2+, Cu2+, Zn2+
C. Ti2+, Cu2+, Mn3+
D. Sc3+, Ti3+, V3+

✔ Answer: Option C
Solution:
A substance is paramagnetic if it has at least one unpaired electron. Option C: Ti2+: 3d2 → 2 unpaired e- ✓; Cu2+: 3d9 →
1 unpaired e- ✓; Mn3+: 3d4 → 4 unpaired e- ✓. Option A fails: Ti4+ is 3d0 → diamagnetic. Option B fails: Zn2+ is 3d10 →
diamagnetic. Option D fails: Sc3+ is 3d0 → diamagnetic.

Q16 KCET 2020

Topic: Stability of Oxidation States – Copper Compounds

For Cu2Cl2 and CuCl2 in aqueous medium, which of the following statement is correct?
A. CuCl2 is more stable than Cu2Cl2
B. Stability of Cu2Cl2 is equal to stability of CuCl2
C. Both are unstable
D. Cu2Cl2 is more stable than CuCl2

✔ Answer: Option A
Solution:
In aqueous solution, Cu2+ (in CuCl2) is more stable than Cu+ (in Cu2Cl2). This is because the hydration enthalpy of Cu2+
is much more negative than that of Cu+, which more than compensates for the higher second ionisation energy. Cu+ in
aqueous solution tends to disproportionate: 2Cu+ → Cu + Cu2+.

Q17 KCET 2019

Topic: f-Block Elements – Lanthanoids

The elements in which electrons are progressively filled in 4f-orbital are called
A. actinoids
B. transition elements
C. lanthanoids
D. halogens

✔ Answer: Option C
Solution:
Lanthanoids (or lanthanides) are the 14 elements from Cerium (Ce, Z=58) to Lutetium (Lu, Z=71) in which the 4f orbitals
are progressively filled. They resemble each other very closely in properties. Actinoids have electrons progressively filled
in 5f-orbitals. The common oxidation state for all lanthanoids is +3.

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Q18 KCET 2019

Topic: Cerium (Ce) – Properties and Oxidation States

Incorrect statement with reference to Ce (Z = 58) is

A. Ce4+ is a reducing agent
B. Ce in +3 oxidation state is more stable than in +4
C. Atomic size of Ce is more than that of Lu
D. Ce shows common oxidation states of +3 and +4

✔ Answer: Option A
Solution:
Statement A is incorrect: Ce4+ is NOT a reducing agent — it is an oxidising agent. Ce4+ has configuration [Xe]4f0 which is
highly stable. Ce4+ strongly tends to gain an electron to revert to Ce3+: Ce4+ + e- → Ce3+. This makes Ce4+ a powerful
oxidising agent used in cerimetry. All other statements (B, C, D) are correct.

Q19 KCET 2019

Topic: Chromyl Chloride Test / Reactions of Chromium Compounds

A mixture of NaCl and K2Cr2O7 is heated with conc. H2SO4, deep red vapours are formed. Which
of the following statements is false?
A. The vapours give a yellow solution with NaOH
B. The vapours contain CrO2Cl2 only
C. The vapours contain CrO2Cl2 and Cl2
D. The vapours when passed into lead acetate in acetic acid give a yellow precipitate

✔ Answer: Option C
Solution:
The reaction is the chromyl chloride test: K2Cr2O7 + 4NaCl + 6H2SO4 → 2KHSO4 + 4NaHSO4 + 2CrO2Cl2↑ + 3H2O. The
deep red vapours contain ONLY chromyl chloride (CrO2Cl2), NOT a mixture with Cl2. So statement C is false. CrO2Cl2 +
4NaOH → Na2CrO4 + 2NaCl + 2H2O (yellow solution with NaOH — statement A is true).

Q20 KCET 2019

Topic: General Properties of 3d Transition Elements

Which of the following statements is wrong?

A. In highest oxidation states, the transition metals show acidic character
B. Mn3+ and Co3+ are oxidising agents in aqueous solution
C. Metals in highest oxidation states are more stable in oxide than in fluorides
D. All elements of 3d series exhibit variable oxidation states

✔ Answer: Option D
Solution:
Statement D is wrong. Not ALL elements of the 3d series exhibit variable oxidation states. Zinc (Zn) in the 3d series
shows ONLY +2 oxidation state because its d-orbitals are completely filled (3d10) and are not available for bonding. The
d-electrons of Zn do not participate in bond formation. All other statements A, B, and C are correct.

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Q21 KCET 2019

Topic: Oxidation States of Copper / Copper Ores

Oxidation state of copper is +1 in

A. malachite
B. cuprite
C. azurite
D. chalcopyrite

✔ Answer: Option B
Solution:
Cuprite is Cu2O. Finding oxidation state of Cu: 2x + (-2) = 0 → x = +1. Malachite: Cu2CO3(OH)2 → Cu is +2. Azurite:
Cu3(CO3)2(OH)2 → Cu is +2. Chalcopyrite: CuFeS2 → Cu is formally 0 (mixed). Only in cuprite (Cu2O) is copper in the
+1 oxidation state.

Q22 KCET 2018

Topic: Metallic Oxides / Electrical Properties

Which of the following oxides shows electrical properties like metals?

A. SiO2
B. MgO
C. SO2(s)
D. CrO2

✔ Answer: Option D
Solution:
CrO2 (chromium dioxide) is a metallic oxide that exhibits electrical conductivity similar to metals. It is half-metallic —
electrons in one spin channel are conducting while the other channel is insulating. This property makes CrO2 useful in
magnetic recording media. SiO2 is a covalent network solid (insulator). MgO is an ionic compound (insulator). SO2 (solid)
is molecular and non-conducting.

Q23 KCET 2018

Topic: Lanthanoids – Common Oxidation State

Which of the following oxidation states is common for all lanthanides?

A. +2
B. +3
C. +4
D. +5

✔ Answer: Option B
Solution:
+3 is the most common and universal oxidation state for all lanthanoids. This is because removal of 3 electrons (2 from
6s and 1 from 5d or 4f) gives a relatively stable configuration. While some lanthanoids also show +2 (Eu, Sm, Yb) or +4
(Ce, Tb, Pr), +3 is the ONLY state common to ALL lanthanoids. Lanthanoid compounds in +3 state are predominantly
ionic.

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Q24 KCET 2017

Topic: Magnetic Moment Calculation

The magnetic nature of elements depends on the presence of unpaired electrons. Identify the
configuration of transition elements which shows highest magnetic moment?
A. 3d7
B. 3d8
C. 3d5
D. 3d2

✔ Answer: Option C
Solution:
Magnetic moment formula: µ = √(n(n+2)) BM, where n = unpaired electrons. 3d5: 5 unpaired electrons (half-filled, Hund's
rule) → µ = √(5×7) = √35 ≈ 5.92 BM (maximum). 3d7: 3 unpaired electrons → µ = √(3×5) = √15 ≈ 3.87 BM. 3d8: 2
unpaired electrons → µ = √(2×4) = √8 ≈ 2.83 BM. 3d2: 2 unpaired electrons → µ = √8 ≈ 2.83 BM. 3d5 has maximum
unpaired electrons → highest magnetic moment.

Q25 KCET 2017

Topic: Lanthanoids – Properties (Ln(III) Compounds)

Which of the following statement is wrong regarding lanthanoids?

A. Ln (III) compounds are predominantly ionic in character.
B. Ln (III) compounds are generally colourless.
C. Ln (III) hydroxides are mainly basic in nature.
D. The ionic size of Ln(III) ions decreases with increasing atomic number.

✔ Answer: Option B
Solution:
Statement B is wrong. Ln(III) compounds are generally COLOURED (not colourless). Ln(III) ions show colour due to f–f
electronic transitions (within f-orbitals). Due to the large size of lanthanoid ions, their bonds are predominantly ionic (A ✓).
Ln(III) hydroxides are basic — they resemble alkaline earth metal hydroxides (C ✓). Ionic size of Ln3+ decreases with
increasing atomic number — this is the famous Lanthanoid Contraction caused by poor shielding by f-electrons (D ✓).

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Topic-wise Conceptual Explanations

1. Colour of Transition Metal Ions (d–d Transition)

Transition metal ions are coloured because electrons in d-orbitals can absorb visible light and jump to higher
d-energy levels (d–d transition). The complementary colour is reflected/transmitted. Ions with d■ (empty) or d¹■
(fully filled) configurations CANNOT undergo d–d transitions and are COLOURLESS. Key colourless ions: Sc³■
(d■), Ti■■ (d■), Zn²■ (d¹■), Cu■ (d¹■). Coloured ions: Ti³■ (violet), V³■ (green), Cr³■ (violet), Mn²■ (pink), Fe³■
(pale yellow), Cu²■ (blue), Ni²■ (green).

2. Magnetic Properties – Paramagnetic, Diamagnetic, Antiferromagnetic

Magnetic behaviour depends on unpaired electrons. Paramagnetic: has unpaired electrons (attracted to magnetic
field). Diamagnetic: all electrons paired (repelled weakly). Ferromagnetic: large domains aligned (Fe, Co, Ni).
Antiferromagnetic: domains aligned antiparallel, cancel out (MnO, MnF■). Ferrimagnetic: unequal antiparallel
domains (Fe■O■). Magnetic moment: µ = √(n(n+2)) BM where n = unpaired electrons. Mn²■ has the most
unpaired electrons (5) among 3d ions → highest µ.

3. Oxidation States of Transition Elements

Transition elements show variable oxidation states due to the similar energies of (n-1)d and ns electrons. All
elements of 3d series EXCEPT Zinc show variable oxidation states (Zn shows only +2 as its d-orbitals are fully
filled). In highest oxidation states, transition metals act as oxidising agents and show acidic character. In lower
oxidation states, they show basic character. Key high oxidation state compounds: KMnO■ (Mn = +7), K■Cr■O■
(Cr = +6).

4. Lanthanoid Contraction
Lanthanoid contraction is the gradual decrease in ionic (and atomic) size of lanthanoid ions (Ln³■) with increasing
atomic number from La to Lu. Cause: Addition of electrons to 4f orbitals provides poor shielding of nuclear charge
from outer electrons. Nuclear charge increases by 1 per element, but shielding increases by less than 1, causing
the effective nuclear charge to increase, pulling electron cloud inward. Consequences: Similar sizes of 4d and 5d
transition metals, separation of lanthanoids is difficult.

5. f-Block Elements – Lanthanoids vs Actinoids

Lanthanoids: 14 elements, Ce(58) to Lu(71), 4f filling, +3 most common oxidation state. Actinoids: 14 elements,
Th(90) to Lr(103), 5f filling, show more variable oxidation states. Key lanthanoids: Ce (+3/+4), Eu (+2/+3), Sm
(+2/+3), Yb (+2/+3). Promethium is the only radioactive lanthanoid. Lanthanoid colour is due to f–f transitions (not
d–d). Common oxidation state for ALL lanthanoids: +3.

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Important Topics for KCET 2026

Based on analysis of KCET 2017–2025, the following topics are most likely to appear in KCET 2026. Focus on
these to score full marks in d and f Block Elements.

★★★ HIGH PRIORITY

➤ Colour of Transition Metal Ions

Identify coloured vs colourless ions based on d-configuration. Know d■ and d¹■ = colourless. Know ion colours: Ti³■
(violet), Mn²■ (pink), Cu²■ (blue), Ni²■ (green). KCET has asked this in 2025, 2021 (2 questions).

➤ Magnetic Moment Calculations

Formula: µ = √(n(n+2)) BM. Given µ, find n or identify ion. Know unpaired electrons for common ions. Asked in KCET
2022 (Q10), 2017 (Q24).

➤ Oxidation States of Transition Metals

Variable oxidation states, exceptions (Zn only +2). Behaviour in highest oxidation state (oxidising agent). Acidic vs
basic character. Asked in 2022, 2019, 2021.

➤ Lanthanoids – Oxidation States and Properties

+3 common for all. Cerium shows +4. Eu, Sm, Yb show +2. Ce■■ is oxidising agent. Colour due to f–f transitions.
Asked in 2025, 2024, 2018, 2017.

★★ MEDIUM PRIORITY

➤ Electronic Configuration – Exceptions

Cu: [Ar]3d¹■ 4s¹; Cr: [Ar]3d■ 4s¹; Ag: [Kr]4d¹■ 5s¹. Know (n-1)d¹■ns² configurations and their exceptions. Asked 2025
(Q3).

➤ Lanthanoid Contraction
Definition, cause (poor 4f shielding), consequences (similar 4d/5d sizes). Ionic size order of Ln³■ ions.

➤ Magnetic Properties of Compounds

MnO = antiferromagnetic. Fe■O■ = ferrimagnetic. Fe, Co, Ni = ferromagnetic. Asked in KCET 2024 (Q4).

➤ Chromyl Chloride Test

Reaction of K■Cr■O■ + NaCl + H■SO■ → CrO■Cl■ (deep red vapours). CrO■Cl■ + NaOH → yellow Na■CrO■
solution. Asked 2019 (Q19).

➤ Copper – Oxidation States and Stability

Cu■ vs Cu²■ stability in aqueous solution. Cuprite (Cu■O) has Cu■. Cu²■ more stable in water due to higher
hydration enthalpy. Asked 2020, 2019.

★ ADDITIONAL TOPICS

➤ Misch Metal
Alloy of 95% lanthanoids + 5% Fe + traces S, C, Ca, Al. Used in lighter flints.

➤ Melting Points of Transition Elements

General trend and exceptions (Mn has low MP due to d■ half-filled configuration).

➤ Properties of CrO■
Metallic oxide showing electrical conductivity. Used in magnetic recording.

➤ Promethium
Only radioactive lanthanoid. Produced artificially. No stable isotopes.

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