JAMB - Chemistry (2004 - No. 37)
Transition metals possess variable oxidation states because they have
Electrons in the d orbitals
Electron in the s orbitals
A variable number of electrons in the p orbitals
Partially filled p orbitals
Selitys
Transition metals have variable oxidation states because their valence electrons are in the d-orbitals with similar energies, allowing them to be used for bond formation in multiple ways. Transition metals have partially filled d-orbitals in their outer electron shell.