New
New
Year 11
Edexcel
Higher

Transition metals: physical and chemical properties

I can describe the physical and chemical properties and some uses of transition metals, and compare them to Group 1 metals.

New
New
Year 11
Edexcel
Higher

Transition metals: physical and chemical properties

I can describe the physical and chemical properties and some uses of transition metals, and compare them to Group 1 metals.

Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Transition metals are generally stronger, harder, more dense and have higher melting points than Group 1 metals.
  2. Transition metals react slowly with water or don’t react with it at all.
  3. Transition metals are often catalysts that speed up chemical reactions.
  4. Transition metals can form ions with different charges and their compounds often exhibit vibrant colours.

Common misconception

Pupils may think all metals react vigorously with water, and may believe all transition metals form only one type of ion, and might think that all metals are equally good catalysts.

Unlike Group 1 metals, transition metals react slowly with water or not at all. Transition metals can form ions with different charges, leading to compounds with varying properties and colours. Each reaction will be catalysed best by one catalyst.

Keywords

  • Transition metal - refers to a metal element placed in the block between Groups 2 and 3 in the periodic table.

  • Catalyst - a chemical that speeds up the rate of a reaction without itself being used up.

  • Ion - an atom or group of atoms with a positive or negative charge due to the loss or gain of electrons.

  • Density - calculated by dividing the mass of a substance by its volume; a measurement of how tightly packed a substance's particles are per unit volume.

Highlight examples of transition metal catalysts, like iron in the Haber process, to show their effectiveness and versatility. Use demonstrations to show the different reactivity of transition metals compared to Group 1 metals.
Teacher tip

Equipment

10 cm³ measuring cylinders, test tubes, spatulas, samples of four powdered metal oxides (e.g. copper oxide, manganese oxide), 5% hydrogen peroxide, test tube racks.

Content guidance

  • Risk assessment required - equipment

Supervision

Adult supervision required

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).

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6 Questions

Q1.
The periodic table is organised into rows called periods and columns called .
Correct Answer: groups
Q2.
What is an element?
A mixture of different substances.
Correct answer: A substance made of one type of atom.
A compound of two or more atoms.
A solution of different molecules.
Q3.
Where are metals generally located on the periodic table?
Correct answer: on the left side
on the right side
Correct answer: in the centre
Q4.
An is formed when an atom gains or loses electrons.
Correct Answer: ion
Q5.
Which of the following is a property of most metals?
brittle
poor conductor of electricity
Correct answer: malleable
low density
Q6.
What is the charge of an ion formed by losing two electrons?
Correct Answer: +2

6 Questions

Q1.
Which of the following metals is a transition metal?
lead
Correct answer: iron
potassium
aluminium
Q2.
Which of the following is a characteristic of transition metals compared to Group 1 metals?
Transition metals are less dense.
Transition metals have lower melting points.
Correct answer: Transition metals are generally stronger and harder.
Transition metals react more vigorously with water.
Q3.
Transition metals can form ions with different , which leads to compounds with varying properties and colours.
Correct Answer: charges
Q4.
What is the significance of transition metals forming ions with different charges?
It makes them less reactive.
It allows them to react with water vigorously.
Correct answer: It leads to compounds with varying properties and colours.
It makes them poor catalysts.
Q5.
Which property is not typical of transition metals?
high density
high melting point
Correct answer: reacts vigorously with water
acts as a catalyst
Q6.
Why are transition metals often used as catalysts?
They are very unreactive with water.
They can change the products of a reaction.
Correct answer: They speed up chemical reactions without being consumed.