*'''Color''' - the d subshell of a transition ion is usually degenerate (all the same energy level), however in the presence of other atoms and ligands it can split into two energy levels with an energy gap often corresponding to wavelengths of electromagnetic radiation in the visible spectrum. As such a compound with a transition metal is able to absorb wavelengths of light causing them to be redundant in the reflected ray, hence producing color. As such transition metals form the basis of our paint and pigment industries. | *'''Color''' - the d subshell of a transition ion is usually degenerate (all the same energy level), however in the presence of other atoms and ligands it can split into two energy levels with an energy gap often corresponding to wavelengths of electromagnetic radiation in the visible spectrum. As such a compound with a transition metal is able to absorb wavelengths of light causing them to be redundant in the reflected ray, hence producing color. As such transition metals form the basis of our paint and pigment industries. |