Concept:Transition metals crystallize in closely packed structures (like FCC, BCC, or HCP). Despite being closely packed, there are naturally occurring empty spaces or voids between the spherical metal atoms.
Solution:- These empty spaces within the rigid metallic crystal lattice are known as interstices or holes.
- Small, non-metal atoms such as Hydrogen (H), Boron (B), Carbon (C), and Nitrogen (N) are physically small enough to slip into and occupy these holes.
- When they do, they form hard, rigid materials called interstitial compounds (like steel), which are generally non-stoichiometric.
Why other options are incorrect:- Option A: Causes paramagnetism.
- Option B: Causes color.
- Option D: This is the reason transition metals form complex coordination compounds, not interstitial alloys.
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