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Electronic configuration (every year): Know anomalous configs of Cr and Cu. Remember: ions lose 4s first, then 3d. Practice writing configs for ions like $Cr^{3+}$, $Mn^{2+}$, $Fe^{3+}$, $Cu^{2+}$. Quick check: d-electron count = Z - 18 - charge (for 3d ions).

Oxidation state questions: Max OS = group number up to Mn(+7). Know stability patterns: $d^0$, $d^3$, $d^5$, $d^{10}$ are extra stable. Higher OS with $F^-$/$O^{2-}$ ($MnO4^-$, $CrO4^{2-}$), lower OS with CO/$CN^-$.

KMnO4/K2Cr2O7 reactions: Know the half-reactions in all three media for KMnO4. Know the chromate-dichromate equilibrium direction with pH. Calculate n-factors: KMnO4 = 5(acid), 3(neutral), 1(alkaline); K2Cr2O7 = 6(acid).

Magnetic moment: Count unpaired electrons using d-configuration and ligand field. mu = sqrt(n(n+2)). Common values: $d^3$ = 3.87, $d^5$(HS) = 5.92, $d^8$ = 2.83 BM.

f-block: Focus on lanthanoid contraction (causes and consequences), anomalous oxidation states ($Ce^{4+}$ = 4$f^0$, $Eu^{2+}$ = 4$f^7$, $Yb^{2+}$ = 4$f^{14}$), and key differences between lanthanoids and actinoids.

Physical property trends: Know the anomalies — Mn (low m.p.), Cu (positive E degree), Zn (colourless, low m.p., $d^{10}$). These are the most tested exceptions to general trends.