1.3 Properties of transition metals
1.3.1 Comparison with Group 1 elements
- The transition elements are metals with similar properties, but they are
different from the metals in Group 1.
- Differences include higher melting points, greater densities,
increased strength, hardness, and lower reactivity with oxygen, water, and halogens.
- Examples of transition metals that illustrate these general properties include: chromium (Cr),
manganese (Mn), iron (Fe), cobalt (Co), nickel (Ni), and copper (Cu).
1.3.2 Typical properties
- Transition metals can form different ions (oxidation states) e.g. Fe (II) forms FeO but Fe (III) forms Fe2O3.
- They often form coloured compounds.
- They can be used as catalysts (speeds up chemical reactions by reducing the activation energy).