2.6 The Transition Elements

Question 1

What are the physical properties of transition elements (metals)?

Answer 1

• Good conductors of electricity and thermal energy
• Hard and strong
• High densities
• High melting points

Question 2

What are the chemical properties of transition elements (metals)?

Answer 2

Much less reactive than metals in Group 1. They do not react vigorously with oxygen and water. For example iron reacts with water slowly (it rusts slowly over time). Copper does not react with water at all.

Question 3

What are the characteristics of compounds of transition elements (metals)?

Answer 3

• Transition elements can form more than one ion. So their names usually include a roman numeral to show what compound it is (ex. iron may exist as Fe2+ or Fe3 + which is also Iron (II) ions and Iron (III) ions.
• Coloured compounds
• Used as cathalists