Select the statement(s) that describe the characteristics of transition metals. a. Transition metals have partially filled d subshells. b. Transition metals give rise to cations that have completely filled d subshells. c. Group 2B elements are not transition metals because they neither have nor readily acquire partially filled d orbitals.

The correct option is A,

--> a.) Transition metals have partially filled d subshells.

Explanation:

Transition elements are all metals of economic importance. They are found in the d- lock of the periodic table between group 2 and 3. They occupy three rows, with ten elements in each row. The term 'transition metals' refers only to an element which has PARTIALLY filled d orbitals. Typical example of transition metals include iron (Fe).

They have partially filled 3d orbitals which are responsible for the special properties of the metals. These include:

--> Physical properties: the transition metals have high boiling and melting points. They are hard, dense and lustrous. They are also good conductors of heat and electricity.

--> Chemical reactivity: In the s- block and p-block, the chemical properties of the elements in the same period vary, often quite markedly, from left to right. This does not happen with the transition metals because electrons are added progressively to the inner d-orbitals.

--> Variable oxidation states: they have variable oxidation states because 3d electrons are available for bond formation.