Which physical characteristic of a solution may indicate the presence of a transition element?

Prepare for the TEAS Nursing Entrance Exam with comprehensive flashcards and multiple-choice questions. Each question is accompanied by hints and explanations to ensure you ace your test and start your nursing career.

The presence of a transition element in a solution is often indicated by its color because transition metals have partially filled d-orbitals, which allows them to absorb certain wavelengths of light. This absorption leads to the unique colors associated with various transition metal ions. For example, the cobalt ion may appear blue, while copper can impart a blue or green color to a solution, depending on its oxidation state and the ligands present. The distinct colors arise from electronic transitions between d-orbitals when the transition metals interact with light.

In contrast, the other physical characteristics mentioned do not specifically indicate the presence of transition elements in the same way. Density can vary widely among different types of solutions and does not uniquely identify transition metals. Likewise, the effects on litmus or phenolphthalein relate more to the acidic or basic nature of a solution rather than indicating transition metals. Therefore, the characteristics of color in solutions is a direct and distinctive feature that one can observe when identifying transition elements.

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