Zn and Cd metals do not show variable valency because: — d and f Block Elements Chemistry Question

💡 Solution & Explanation

Step 1: Zinc and Cadmium have the electronic configurations [Ar] 3d10 4s2 and [Kr] 4d10 5s2 respectively. Step 2: Because their d-subshells are completely filled, the d-electrons are highly stabilized and do not participate in chemical bonding under normal conditions. Step 3: Only the two outermost s-electrons can be lost to form compounds in the +2 oxidation state, meaning they do not exhibit variable valency (option b).