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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:

Higher melting points

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.
Higher density

Higher density

  • Transition metals have more mass for the same volume than alkali metals.
  • The high density makes them useful in construction.
Greater strength and hardness

Greater strength and hardness

  • Transition metals are stronger and harder than alkali metals.
Lower reactivity

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
1

States of Matter

2

Atoms, Elements & Compounds

3

Stoichometry

4

Electrochemistry

5

Chemical Energetics

6

Chemical Reactions

7

Acids, Bases & Salts

8

The Periodic Table

9

Metals

10

Chemistry of the Environment

11

Organic Chemistry

11.1

Formulae, Functional Groups & Terminology

11.2

Naming Organic Compounds

11.3

Fuels

11.4

Alkanes

11.5

Alkenes

11.6

Alcohols

11.7

Carboxylic Acids

11.8

Polymers

12

Experimental Techniques & Chemical Analysis

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