4.1.3 transition metals

• Transition metals have a higher density. They have more mass for the same volume than alkali metals. The high density makes them useful in construction
• Transition metals have high melting points. High melting points make them useful for cooking equipment
• Transition metals are stronger and harder than alkali metals
• 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
• Transition metals can form ions with different positive charges. They have a charge of +2 if not stated otherwise.
• Transition metals can form different colour compounds. e.g. Copper(I) sulfate is white, Copper (II) sulfate is blue.
• Transition metals are often used as catalysts. Iron (Fe) is used as a catalyst in the Haber process (production of ammonia). Platinum (Pt) and Rhodium (Rh) are used in catalytic converters in cars
• Special properties of transition metals:

  A) positive

  B) colour compounds

  C) catalysts

  
• Transition metals are found at the centre of the periodic table. To their left is group 2 and to their right is group 3.