The electronic configuration of transition metals plays a significant role in determining their reactivity towards oxygen and the formation of oxides. Transition metals are elements found in groups 3-12 of the periodic table and have partially filled d orbitals. Their electronic configurations can be represented as [noble gas] ns^2 n-1 d^x, where x can vary from 1 to 10.There are several factors related to the electronic configuration of transition metals that impact their reactivity towards oxygen:1. Variable oxidation states: Transition metals can exhibit a range of oxidation states due to the proximity of their 4s and 3d orbitals in energy levels. This allows them to lose different numbers of electrons from both the s and d orbitals, leading to various oxidation states. The ability to adopt multiple oxidation states makes transition metals more reactive towards oxygen, as they can form different types of oxides.2. Partially filled d orbitals: The presence of unpaired electrons in the d orbitals of transition metals makes them more reactive towards oxygen. Unpaired electrons can easily form bonds with oxygen atoms, leading to the formation of oxides.3. Electronegativity and ionization energy: Transition metals have relatively low electronegativity and ionization energy compared to other elements. This means they can more easily lose electrons to form positive ions, which can then react with oxygen to form oxides.To predict the formation of oxides, one can consider the following factors:1. Oxidation states: The most common oxidation states of transition metals can be used to predict the type of oxide formed. For example, iron Fe can exhibit oxidation states of +2 and +3, leading to the formation of FeO and Fe2O3, respectively.2. Stability of oxides: The stability of the formed oxides can also be used to predict their formation. In general, higher oxidation states lead to the formation of more stable oxides. For example, MnO2 manganese IV oxide is more stable than MnO manganese II oxide .3. Reactivity of the metal: The reactivity of the transition metal towards oxygen can also be considered. More reactive metals, such as those in the early transition series e.g., Sc, Ti, V , are more likely to form oxides when exposed to oxygen.In conclusion, the electronic configuration of transition metals significantly impacts their reactivity towards oxygen and the formation of oxides. By considering factors such as oxidation states, stability of oxides, and reactivity of the metal, one can predict the formation of oxides for a given transition metal.