1. THE TRANSITION
METALS

2. The Transition elements
Transition means “an in between state” and the transition elements come in between Group 2 and Group 3.
Gp 2
Gp 3 H Li Na K Rb Cs Fr Be Mg Ga Ge Se Br Ca Kr In Sn Sb Sr Te Ba Tl Pb Bi Po At Ra Al P N O S Cl F Ne Ar Rn I Si Xe He B C As
Transition Elements Sc Ti V Cr Mn Fe Co Ni Cu Zn Y Zr Nb Mo Tc Ru Pd Ag Cd Rh Hf Ta W Re Os Ir Au Hg La Pt Rf Db Sg Bh Hs Mt ? Ac

3. General Characteristics
Transition
Elements
They have
high density.
They often act as catalysts.
They mostly form
coloured
compounds.
They are less reactive
than Group 1 or
Group 2 metals.
They have
high melting
points.
Transition metals
are often referred to
as ‘typical’ metals.

4. 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

5. Properties – melting point
Melting points show no regular pattern – other than nearly all being high which is typical of metals.
(Note zinc doesn’t fit very well on either density or melting point.) Sc Ti V Cr Mn Fe Co Ni Cu Zn

6. 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.
Rusting: a slow but costly process! Sc Ti V Cr Mn Fe Co Ni Cu Zn
General reduced reactivity

7. 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. V Ni
Used in oil hydrogenation Ti
Used in plastic manufacture Fe

8. Uses
The three most commonly known transition elements are iron or steel, copper and zinc.
iron or steel
General engineering metal
copper
Electrical and plumbing work
zinc
Galvanising steel to protect it

9. Pair the metal up with its uses
iron or steel
copper
zinc

10. Pair the metal catalyst with the substance.V Ti Fe Ni

11. Pair the statement about the transition elements with the words.
The **** elements fit between group 2 and 3.
catalysts
They tend to be very****
reactive
Most are not especially ***
coloured
They are all typical****
similar
They often form compounds that are ****
transition
They often speed up reactions by acting as ****
metals

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

13. Which of these does copper NOT tend to be
used for?
Plumbing work.
Electrical work
Ornaments and jewellery
Tools

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

15. Transition elements often form coloured compounds.
What colour compound does copper usually form?
Blue
Yellow
Red
Violet

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