Transition Metals

The transition metals are found in the middle of the periodic table. To their left is Group 2 and to their right is Group 3. Relative to the alkali metals, transition metals have:

Higher melting points

Transition metals have higher melting points than alkali metals.
- E.g. Iron's melting point is 1,583°C, whereas sodium’s is about 98°C.
High melting points make transition metals useful for cooking equipment.

Higher density

Transition metals have more mass for the same volume than alkali metals.
The high density makes transition metals useful in construction.

Greater strength and hardness

Transition metals are stronger and harder than alkali metals.

Lower reactivity

Transition metals are less reactive than alkali metals.
- E.g. Iron takes weeks to rust when in contact with oxygen and water, whereas sodium does this in a few seconds.

Transition Metals - Special Properties

Because of their unique position in the periodic table, transition metals have some special properties that make them very useful for chemists:

Can form ions with different positive charges

For example:
- Iron: Fe²⁺, Fe³⁺.
- Copper: Cu⁺, Cu²⁺.

Can form different colour compounds

For example:
- Copper(I) sulfate is white; copper(II) sulfate is blue.

Transition metals as catalysts

For example:
- Iron (Fe) is the catalyst used in the Haber process, which results in the production of ammonia.
- Platinum (Pt) and rhodium (Rh) are used in catalytic converters in cars.

1Atomic Structure

2Chemical Bonding

2.1Chemical Bonds

2.1.1Types of Bonds

2.1.2Ionic Bonds

2.1.3Ionic Compounds

2.1.4Covalent & Metallic Bonds

2.1.5Representing Covalent Bonds

2.1.6Dots-And-Cross Diagrams

2.1.7Exam-Style Questions - Chemical Bonds

2.2States of Matter

2.2.1States of Matter

2.2.2Changing State

2.2.3Changing State HyperLearning

2.2.4State Symbols

2.2.5Exam-Style Questions - States of Matter

2.3Chemical Properties

2.3.1Chemical Properties of Ionic Compounds

2.3.2Chemical Properties of Small Molecules

2.3.3Molecular Forces & Polymers

2.3.4Metals & Giant Covalent Structures

2.3.5Alloys & Conductors

2.3.6Carbon Structures - Diamond & Graphite

2.3.7Carbon Structures - Graphene & Fullerenes

2.3.8Carbon Structures - Summary

2.3.9Nanoparticles

2.3.10Nanotechnology

2.3.11Surface Area to Volume Ratio & Nanotechnology Uses

2.3.12End of Topic Test - Chemical Bonding

2.3.13Grade 9 - Bonding & Structure

2.3.14Exam-Style Questions - Allotropes of Carbon

3Quantitative Chemistry

4Chemical Changes

5Energy Changes

5.1Exothermic & Endothermic Reactions

5.1.1Energy Conservation

5.1.2Exothermic & Endothermic Reactions

5.1.3Reaction Profiles

5.1.4Reaction Profiles 2

5.2Chemical Cells & Fuel Cells

5.2.1Chemical Cells

5.2.2Batteries & Charging of Cells

5.2.3Fuel Cells

5.2.4Hydrogen Fuel Cell

5.2.5End of Topic Test - Energy Changes

5.2.6Grade 9 - Energy Changes

5.2.7Exam-Style Questions - Fuel Cells

6The Rate & Extent of Chemical Change

6.1Rate of Reaction

6.1.1Chemical Reactions

6.1.2Collision Theory

6.1.3Catalysts

6.1.4Catalysts in Industry

6.2Reversible Reactions

6.2.1Reversible Reactions

6.2.2Equilibrium

6.2.3Equilibrium Position

6.2.4Equilibrium Position 2

6.2.5End of Topic Test - Rates of Reaction

6.2.6Grade 9 - Rate & Extent of Chemical Change

6.2.7Exam-Style Questions - Reversible Reactions

7Organic Chemistry

8Chemical Analysis

8.1Purity, Formulations & Chromatography

8.1.1Purity & Formulations

8.1.2Chromatography

8.1.3Paper Chromatography 1

8.1.4Paper Chromatography 2

8.1.5Required Practical - Paper Chromatography

8.2Identification of Common Gases

8.2.1Identification of Hydrogen & Oxygen

8.2.2Identification of Carbon Dioxide & Chlorine

8.3Identifying Ions

8.3.1Flame Tests

8.3.2Required Practical: Flame Tests

8.3.3Metal Hydroxides

8.3.4Carbonates

8.3.5Halides, Sulfates

8.3.6Methodology for Chemical Analysis

8.3.7Flame Emission Spectroscopy

8.3.8End of Topic Test - Chemical Analysis

8.3.9Grade 9 - Chemical Analysis

8.3.10Exam-Style Questions - Identification of ions

9Chemistry of the Atmosphere

9.1The Earth's Atmosphere

9.1.1Proportions of Gases in the Atmosphere

9.1.2Oxygen & Carbon Dioxide in the Atmosphere

9.1.3Greenhouse Gases & Human Activities

9.1.4Greenhouse Gases & Human Activities

9.1.5Greenhouse Gases & Climate Change

9.1.6Carbon Footprints

9.1.7Common Atmospheric Pollutants & Their Properties

9.1.8End of Topic Test - The Earth

9.1.9Grade 9 - Chemistry of the Atmosphere

9.1.10Exam-Style Questions - Earth's Atmosphere

10Using Resources

10.1Using the Earth's Resources

10.1.1Potable Water & its Sources

10.1.2Potable Water in the UK & in Saudi Arabia

10.1.3Natural Resources

10.1.4Waste Water

10.1.5Metal Ore Extraction & the Properties of Copper

10.1.6Overexploitation & Alternative Extraction Methods

10.2Life Cycle Assessments & Recycling

10.2.1Life Cycle Assessments

10.2.2Difficulties with LCA

10.2.3Reducing Resource Usage

10.2.4Reducing Use of Metal and Glass

10.2.5Exam-Style Questions - Life Cycle Assessments

10.3Using Materials

10.3.1Corrosion

10.3.2Alloys

10.3.3Ceramics

10.3.4Polymers & Composites

10.4The Haber Process & NPK Fertilisers

10.4.1The Haber Process

10.4.2The Haber Process - Equation & Trade-Offs

10.4.3Formulated vs Manure Fertilisers

10.4.4NPK Fertilisers 1

10.4.5NPK Fertilisers 2

10.4.6End of Topic Test - Resources

10.4.7Grade 9 - Using Resources

10.4.8Exam-Style Questions - The Haber Process

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