Final answer:
Elements with a partially filled d subshell are generally transition metals located in the center of the periodic table in groups 3 to 12 and periods 4 through 7. These include the d block elements after the 4s subshell is filled and exclude group 12 where the d subshell becomes full.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question asks us to identify elements on the periodic table that have a partially filled d subshell in their neutral atom state. To understand this, we look at the structure of the periodic table and the order of filling electron subshells.
While the 1s, 2s, and 2p subshells are being filled first, we encounter the d block elements, which start filling after the 4s subshell is completed, according to the aufbau principle. Elements with partially filled d subshells typically include the transition metals, which are found in the center of the periodic table, comprising groups 3 to 12.
When you move from left to right across a period, d subshell electrons are added one at a time up to a maximum of five (in which case the d subshell is half-filled) and then up to ten (at which point it is fully filled). Therefore, elements in periods 4 through 7 that correspond to groups 3 through 12 will typically have partially filled d subshells in their neutral state.
This excludes group 12 since by removing two s electrons, their d subshell will be full (Zn, Cd, and Hg). Based on Figure 19.12, metal ions with a partially filled d subshell exhibit color.
This is contrasted with Sc³+ (d°) and Zn²+ (d¹⁰), which do not have partially filled d subshells and typically form colorless complexes.