The Transition Zone
The transition metals in the middle of the periodic table: how they compare with group 1 metals, and their special properties such as forming coloured compounds and acting as catalysts.
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The metals in the middle
Between group 2 and group 3 of the periodic table sits a large block of metals called the transition metals. They include iron, copper, gold and chromium. They behave quite differently from the group 1 metals, and they have some special properties that make them very useful. This module compares them with group 1 and looks at what makes them special.
Transition metal terms
Learn these four terms before you compare the metals.
Transition metals or group 1?
The clearest way to learn the transition metals is to contrast them with group 1.
Answer point by point
Comparison questions score on the contrast, so answer point-by-point. Say a transition metal is harder than group 1, has a higher melting point than group 1, and is less reactive than group 1. Then explain why a property is useful, such as a catalyst speeding up an industrial reaction to save time and money.
Match the property
- denser and harder
- less reactive
- a catalyst
- coloured compounds
- stronger and heavier than group 1 metals
- reacts slowly, or not at all, with water
- speeds up a reaction without being used up
- forms compounds that are brightly coloured
Match the metal to its use
- iron
- copper
- gold
- chromium
- used to make steel for buildings and cars
- used in electrical wires because it conducts well
- used in jewellery because it does not corrode
- used as a shiny protective coating
What is a catalyst?
What does a catalyst do?
- It speeds up a reaction without being used up.
- It slows a reaction down.
- It adds colour to a compound.
- It speeds up a reaction and is used up in the process.
Special properties
Select the TWO special properties of transition metals.
- They form coloured compounds.
- Many act as catalysts.
- They react violently with water.
- They are soft and have low melting points.
Order the reasoning
Put this reasoning about choosing a metal in order, earliest first.
- A metal is strong, hard and unreactive
- This suggests it is a transition metal
- It is chosen to build a bridge
- The bridge lasts a long time without corroding fast
Summarise the metals
Transition metals sit in the central block of the periodic table. Compared with group 1 metals they are _____, harder and have higher melting points, and they are _____ reactive. Many transition metals form brightly _____ compounds and act as a _____, speeding up reactions. Iron is a transition metal used to make _____.
Work out the formula mass
Iron forms two oxides because it can be a 2+ or a 3+ ion. Iron(III) oxide is Fe2O3. Using Ar values of Fe = 56 and O = 16, what is its relative formula mass?
Find the special properties
Tap the TWO special properties of transition metals.
- Forms coloured compounds
- Reacts violently with water
- Acts as a catalyst
- Has a low melting point
- Is soft enough to cut with a knife
Which kind of substance?
Decide what each description is.
- A hard, dense metal that reacts slowly and forms a coloured compound
- A soft metal that reacts violently with water and is stored in oil
- A dull, brittle substance that does not conduct electricity
Compare the metals
Compare the properties of transition metals with the properties of group 1 metals. Give at least two clear differences.
- Compare their hardness and density
- Compare their reactivity
- Describe one special property of transition metals