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Answer the following.

The melting and boiling points of Zn, Cd and Hg are low. Why?

Chemistry20261 markShort answer

Answer

Answer

Official answer key
Because the d-subshell is completely filled ($d^{10}$), all d electrons are paired and do not take part in metallic bonding; the metallic bonds are weak (only the two s electrons are involved), so the melting and boiling points are low.
d-and f-Block Elements

From ISC 2026 Specimen Chemistry Paper 1, question 8(ii).