Question

How can copper be called as transition metal, when it changes from Cu to Cu+, the electron configuration changes from (3d10 4s1) to (3d10 4s0) according to the definition, the copper atom doesnt form an incomplete d orbital :/

Answer 1

@emcrazy14 @chmvijay

Answer 2

Cu is called a transition metal because it forms the Cu2+ ion, which has the electronic configuration (3d9). Cu+ is just another oxidation state of copper.

Answer 3

Transition metals are d block elements that make one or two more stable ions with incomplete d orbital. According to the definition, Cu2o which is also a compound of Cu but doesnt hve a incomplete d orbital :/

Answer 4

The definition itself states that 'Elements which make ONE or MORE stable ions with incomplete d-orbitals. So even if Cu+ does not fir the definition, Cu2+, which is the more common form, does fit the definition. Hence, Cu is a TRANSITION metal.