Properties of Transition Metals

Where are the transition elements located on the periodic table?

In the central block, between Group 2 and Group 3.

Compared to Group 1 metals, transition metals typically have _____ melting points and densities.

higher

What physical property of transition metals like iron and nickel makes them different from soft Group 1 metals like sodium?

Transition metals are typically harder and stronger.

Which transition metal is an exception to the rule of having a high melting point, being a liquid at room temperature?

Mercury (Hg).

Describe the general reactivity of transition metals compared to Group 1 alkali metals.

Transition metals are much less reactive than Group 1 metals.

How do most transition elements react with oxygen at room temperature?

They react slowly or not at all.

The usefulness of copper for making water pipes is due to its low reactivity with which substance?

Water.

A key chemical property of transition elements is their ability to form ions with _____ charges.

different

What are the two common ions formed by the transition metal iron (Fe)?

Iron(II) (Fe²⁺) and Iron(III) (Fe³⁺).

What are the two common ions formed by the transition metal copper (Cu)?

Copper(I) (Cu⁺) and Copper(II) (Cu²⁺).

Unlike the typically white compounds formed by Group 1 metals, compounds containing transition metals are often what?

Coloured.

What is the colour of compounds containing Iron(II) ions, such as Iron(II) hydroxide, Fe(OH)₂?

Pale green.

What is the colour of compounds containing Iron(III) ions, such as Iron(III) hydroxide, Fe(OH)₃?

Orange-brown.

What colour are aqueous solutions containing copper(II) ions (Cu²⁺), such as copper(II) sulfate?

Blue.

What important role do many transition metals and their compounds play in chemical reactions?

They act as catalysts.

What is the definition of a catalyst?

A substance that increases the rate of a chemical reaction without being used up in the reaction itself.

Which transition metal is used as a catalyst in the Haber process for making ammonia?

Iron (Fe).

Which transition metal is commonly used as a catalyst in the hydrogenation of alkenes to make margarine?

Nickel (Ni).

What compound containing the transition metal manganese is used to catalyse the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide?

Manganese(IV) oxide (MnO₂).

Compare the density of sodium (a Group 1 metal) with that of chromium (a transition metal).

Sodium has a low density (0.97 g/cm³), while chromium has a much higher density (7.19 g/cm³).

Compare the melting point of potassium (a Group 1 metal) with that of iron (a transition metal).

Potassium has a low melting point (63°C), while iron has a very high melting point (1538°C).

Name two physical properties, besides conductivity and lustre, where transition metals typically exceed Group 1 metals.

Greater strength and greater hardness.

Do transition elements form positive or negative ions when they react?

They lose electrons to form positive ions.

The chemical equation for the reaction of heated copper with oxygen is 2Cu (s) + O₂ (g) →_____.

2CuO (s) (copper oxide).

What is the typical state of transition metals at room temperature?

Solid (with the exception of mercury).

Give an example of a coloured compound containing the transition metal manganese.

Manganese chloride, which is pink.

Give an example of a coloured compound containing the transition metal chromium.

Chromium chloride, which is purple.

What property of transition elements is demonstrated by chromium forming Cr²⁺, Cr³⁺, and Cr⁶⁺ ions?

The ability to form ions with different charges.

Why are Group 1 metals generally not used for structural purposes, whereas transition metals like iron are?

Group 1 metals are soft and have low strength, while transition metals are hard and strong.

What is the colour of iron(III) oxide (Fe₂O₃), commonly known as rust?

Red-brown.

List two transition metals that have a density of approximately 8.90 g/cm³.

Cobalt (Co) and Nickel (Ni).

In contrast to the single +1 ion formed by all Group 1 metals, transition metals can form _____ _____.

multiple ions (or ions with different charges).