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What causes a yellow color in transition metals
Accepted Answer
The yellow color in transition metals often arises from d-d transitions. When a transition metal ion absorbs certain wavelengths of light, its electrons in the d orbitals are excited to higher energy levels. The specific color observed is determined by the energy difference between the d orbitals and the wavelength of light absorbed. Yellow color typically results when the metal ion absorbs blue and violet light, and transmits yellow light.
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