Which of the following statements are correct about Zn , Cd and Hg ? A. They exhibit high enthalpy of atomization as the d-subshell is full. B. Zn and Cd do not show variable oxidation state while Hg shows + I and + II . C. Compounds of Zn , Cd and Hg are paramagnetic in nature. D. Zn , Cd and Hg are called soft metals. Choose the most appropriate from the options given below:

Step-by-step solution

(A) Zn , Cd and Hg have low values of enthalpies of atomization. These metals have relatively weak metallic bonding due to their filled or nearly filled d-orbitals. In these metals, the valence electrons are not as delocalized as in other transition metals because the d-orbitals are filled or nearly filled. This leads to weaker metallic bonding, resulting in lower enthalpies compared to transition metals with partially filled d-orbitals. Thus statement (A) is incorrect. (B) Zn and Cd shows + 2 oxidation state where