Which element from following is a soft element?

Which element from following is a soft element?
  1. Mn
  2. Zn
  3. Co
  4. Ni

Solution

$\mathrm{Zn}$, in $\mathrm{Zn}\left(3 \mathrm{~d}^{10} 4 \mathrm{~S}^2\right)$ all the electrons present in d-orbitals are paired and hence metallic bonds present in it are weak. That is why, it is soft.

Asked in: MHT CET 2021 (23 Sep Shift 1)

Practice more Transition and Inner Transition Elements questions on Aicharya