The Transition Elements

The Properties of the Transition Elements

They are typical metals and have the properties of;

• They are good conductors of heat and electricity
• They are dense
• They are strong
• They are shiny
• They are much less reactive than Group 1 metals
• They are denser, stronger and harder than Group one metals.
• They have much higher melting points (except for mercury)

The Ions

• They often have more than one ion.
• Examples of this is Fe, Cu and Cr.
• Diffferent ions contain different coloured compounds.

Transition metals and their compounds ALL make good Catalysts.

A catalyst is something that speeds up the rate of reaction without being changed or used up.

• Iron is used to speed up Ammomia (in the Haber Process)
• Manganese oxide is good for decomposing hydrogen peroxide.
• Nickel is used for turning oils into fats