8.4.1

Transition Metals

Test yourself

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.
  • Gold has a melting point of 1064°C.
  • High melting points make them useful for cooking equipment.
Illustrative background for Higher densityIllustrative background for Higher density ?? "content

Higher density

  • Transition metals have more mass for the same volume than alkali metals.
  • The high density makes them 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

1States of Matter

2Atoms, Elements & Compounds

3Stoichometry

4Electrochemistry

5Chemical Energetics

6Chemical Reactions

7Acids, Bases & Salts

8The Periodic Table

9Metals

10Chemistry of the Environment

11Organic Chemistry

11.1Formulae, Functional Groups & Terminology

11.2Naming Organic Compounds

11.3Fuels

11.4Alkanes

11.5Alkenes

11.6Alcohols

11.7Carboxylic Acids

11.8Polymers

12Experimental Techniques & Chemical Analysis

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