1.3

Question 1

Describe the properties of transition elements (compared with elements in group 1).

Answer 1

• Hard and strong (alkali metals are soft and can be cut).
• High melting points (alkali metals have low melting points).
• High density (alkali metals have low density).
• Much less reactive than group 1 alkali metals.
• Can form ions with different charges (alkali metals form 1- ions).
• Form coloured compounds (alkali metals form white compounds).
• Used as catalysts.

Question 2

Describe the reactivity of transition metals.

Answer 2

• Most react slowly, or not at all, with oxygen and water.
• Some react with halogens (like alkali metals)