Transition Elements (Cambridge International IGCSE Science)

Spec point — C9.4.1

Transition elements

• Transition elements are found in the centre of the Periodic Table between Group 2 and Group 3

General properties

• Transition elements have properties typical of a metal:

  • They are lustrous

  • They are hard and strong

  • They conduct heat and electricity

  • They have high densities

  • They have high melting points

    • Except mercury: This has a low melting point which is why it is a liquid at room temperature

The transition elements in the Periodic Table

Transition elements are found in the middle of the Periodic Table

Transition element properties

• There are some properties that are typical of transition elements :

  • They form ions with different charges

    • Iron forms Fe²⁺ and Fe³⁺ ions

  • They often act as catalysts as elements and in compounds

    • Iron, Fe, is used as a catalyst in the Haber process
    • Vanadium(V) oxide, V₂O₅, is used as a catalyst in the Contact process

• They form coloured compounds

  • Copper forms:

    • Blue copper sulfate
    • Black copper oxide
    • Green copper carbonate

Coloured compounds formed by transition metal ions

The colours produced by some transition elements ions

Exam Hint Although scandium and zinc are in the transition element area of the Periodic Table, they are not considered transition elements because:

• They do not form coloured compounds
• They do not show variable oxidation states