Why is zinc not considered a transition metal?
The electron configuration of zinc is [Ar]4s23d10. The only oxidative state which zinc has is Zn2+ in which its configuration is [Ar] (4s0)3d10, as the 4s sub-level empties first. The definition of a transition metal is that it must have an incomplete d sub-level in one or more of is oxidation states. As zinc has a complete d sub level at all oxidative states it can't be considered a transition metal.
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