To identify which of the given elements could be a transition element, we need to consider the general properties and characteristics of transition metals:
1. Transition metals typically have high melting points.
2. They usually have high densities.
3. They are often good electrical conductors.
4. They can exhibit a variety of colors.
5. They typically form colored compounds.
Let's evaluate the options provided:
[tex]\[
\begin{array}{|c|c|c|c|c|}
\hline \text{Element} & \text{Melting Point in } { }^{\circ} C & \text{Density in } g / cm^3 & \text{Colour} & \text{Electrical Conductor} \\
\hline \text{A} & 114 & 4.9 & \text{purple} & \text{no} \\
\text{B} & 659 & 2.7 & \text{grey} & \text{yes} \\
\text{C} & 1677 & 4.5 & \text{grey} & \text{yes} \\
\text{D} & 3727 & 2.3 & \text{black} & \text{yes} \\
\hline
\end{array}
\][/tex]
Now, we need to compare their given properties to those typically associated with transition metals:
- Element A:
- Melting point: 114 °C (generally low for a transition metal).
- Density: 4.9 g/cm³ (reasonable, but not very high).
- Color: Purple.
- Electrical conductor: No.
Low melting point and non-conductivity strongly suggest that A is not a transition metal.
- Element B:
- Melting point: 659 °C (higher than A, but still on the lower side for transition metals).
- Density: 2.7 g/cm³ (comparatively low).
- Color: Grey.
- Electrical conductor: Yes.
The relatively low density and melting point suggest that B might not be a transition metal.
- Element C:
- Melting point: 1677 °C (in the range for transition metals).
- Density: 4.5 g/cm³ (reasonably high).
- Color: Grey.
- Electrical conductor: Yes.
The melting point and good conductivity suggest that C could be a transition metal.
- Element D:
- Melting point: 3727 °C (extremely high, typical for some transition metals).
- Density: 2.3 g/cm³ (comparatively low).
- Color: Black.
- Electrical conductor: Yes.
The very high melting point and good conductivity suggest D could also be a transition metal, but the relatively low density is less characteristic of transition metals.
Based on these comparisons, the properties of Element C most closely match those of a transition element because it has a reasonably high melting point, decent density, typical color, and good electrical conductivity.
Therefore, the correct answer is:
C
