1.1.26

Transition Metals

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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:

Illustrative background for Higher melting pointsIllustrative background for Higher melting points ?? "content

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.
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Higher density

  • Transition metals have more mass for the same volume than alkali metals.
  • The high density makes transition metals useful in construction.
Illustrative background for Greater strength and hardnessIllustrative background for Greater strength and hardness ?? "content

Greater strength and hardness

  • Transition metals are stronger and harder than alkali metals.
Illustrative background for Lower reactivityIllustrative background for Lower reactivity ?? "content

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.

Jump to other topics

1Atomic Structure

2Chemical Bonding

3Quantitative Chemistry

4Chemical Changes

5Energy Changes

6The Rate & Extent of Chemical Change

7Organic Chemistry

8Chemical Analysis

9Chemistry of the Atmosphere

10Using Resources

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