THE TRANSITION METALS

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The Transition elements Transition means an in between state and the transition elements come in between Group 2 and Group 3.
Gp 2
H Gp 3 He

Transition Elements Li Be B C N O F Ne Na Mg Al Si P S Cl Ar K Ca Sc Ti V Cr Mn Fe Co Ni Cu Zn Ga Ge As Se Br Kr Rb Sr Y Zr Nb Mo Tc Ru Rh Pd Ag Cd In Sn Sb Te I Xe Cs Ba La Hf Ta W Re Os Ir Pt Au Hg Tl Pb Bi Po At Rn Fr Ra Ac Rf Db Sg Bh Hs Mt ? ? ?
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General Characteristics Transition Elements

They often act as catalysts.

They are less reactive than Group 1 or Group 2 metals.

They mostly form coloured compounds.

They have high melting points.

They have high density.

Transition metals are often referred to as typical metals.

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Properties density
Similarities are more noticeable than differences although there are still some broad patterns. They are all dense which is what we expect of metals.
Sc Ti V Cr Mn Fe Co Ni Cu Zn
9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0 Density (g/cm-3) Sc Ti V Cr Mn Fe Co Ni Cu Zn

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Properties melting point

Melting points show no regular pattern other than nearly all being high which is typical of metals. (Note zinc doesnt fit very well on either density or melting point.) Sc Ti V Cr Mn Fe Co Ni Cu Zn
2000 1800 1600 1400 1200 1000 800 600 400 200 0 Melting Point ( C) Sc Ti V Cr Mn Fe Co Ni Cu Zn
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Properties reactivity

Again it is similarities that stand out rather than differences: they tend to react relatively slowly (e.g.) with air, water and acid. The general trend is to reduced activity across the Periodic Table but again the trend is far from perfect with zinc in particular being more reactive than you might expect.
Sc Ti V Cr Mn Fe Co Ni Cu Zn
General reduced reactivity

Rusting: a slow but costly process!

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Properties catalysis

A catalyst is a substance that speeds up a chemical reaction without being used up. Catalysts are hugely valuable in industry where they can save time and energy. Many transition elements ( and their compounds) are catalysts.
Ni
Fe Ti V

Used in oil hydrogenation

Used in plastic manufacture

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Uses
The three most commonly known transition elements are iron or steel, copper and zinc. iron or steel copper

zinc

General engineering metal

Electrical and plumbing work

Galvanising steel to protect it

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Pair the metal up with its uses

copper

iron or steel

zinc

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Pair the metal catalyst with the substance.

Fe Ni

Ti V

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Pair the statement about the transition elements with the words. The **** elements fit between group 2 and 3.
They tend to be very**** Most are not especially *** catalysts reactive coloured

They are all typical****

They often form compounds that are **** They often speed up reactions by acting as ****

similar
transition metals

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Which is a true statement about most transition elements? A. B. C. D. They are non-metals. They are light (low density). They are strong. They are non-conductors.

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Which of these does copper NOT tend to be used for?

A. B. C. D.

Plumbing work. Electrical work Ornaments and jewellery Tools

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Transition elements can speed up other reactions without getting used up in the process. What do we call substances that do this? A. B. C. D. Capitalists Catalysts Catholics Catapults

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Transition elements often form coloured compounds. What colour compound does copper usually form? A.Blue B.Yellow C.Red D.Violet

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How would you describe the reactivity of transition elements within the Periodic Table? A.Always more reactive across periods (left to right). B.Generally less reactive across periods (left to right). C.No change in reactivity. D.Changes but no trends in reactivity.

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