Transition Elements

Question 1

Identify three uses of transition metals

Answer 1

• The transition elements are used extensively as catalysts due to their ability to interchange between a range of oxidation states
• This allows them to form complexes with reagents which can easily donate and accept electrons from other chemical species within a reaction system
• They are used in medicine and surgical applications such as limb and joint replacement (titanium is often used for this as it can bond with bones due to its high biocompatibility)
• They are also used to form coloured compounds in dyes and paints, stained glass jewellery

Question 2

Which two elements located among the Transition Metal of the periodic table are not considered transition metals

Answer 2

Although scandium and zinc are in the transition metal area of the Periodic table, they are not considered transition elements as they do not form coloured compounds and have only one oxidation state.

Question 3

State three properties of transition metals?

Answer 3

• They are very hard and strong metals and are good conductors of heat and electricity
• They have very high melting points and are highly dense metals
• The transition metals form coloured compounds and often have more than one oxidation state
• Transition metals are often used as catalysts

Question 4

What are the Transition Metals?

Answer 4

The transition elements are the block of elements found between groups 2 and group 3 of the periodic table. The transition metals are also called the d-block elements