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My textbook describes that Zn, Cd & Hg are not transition elements. Whereas, on wikipedia it is said that they should be studied under transition elements. Are they?

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The wikipedia article you link, as well as this article would seem to address the reasons for the disputed categorisation of group 12 quite well. You can avoid the ambiguity associated with the term 'transition metal' by referring to the simpler definition of the d-block metals instead. – Richard Terrett Feb 18 at 11:07
So this question doesn't have an answer? – tvamsisai Feb 18 at 11:13
This question as written does not have a definite answer. The classification of these elements is disputed, so there are different answers that are acceptable to different groups of chemists. – Ben Norris Feb 19 at 14:49
A better question might be: "Why is the classification of the group 12 elements (Zn, Cd, and Hg) disputed?" – Ben Norris Feb 19 at 14:50
@BenNorris: can i consider changing the question now? – tvamsisai Feb 20 at 8:46
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closed as not constructive by F'x♦ Feb 18 at 12:42

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