AQA Chemistry 4.1.3.1–4.1.3.2 · Triple only
Properties of transition metals
Iron against sodium, property by property. Then the three things transition metals do that Group 1 metals never do.
Triple Science · Foundation tier
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A bridge.
Bridges, cars and saucepans are made of iron and steel. Sodium is also a metal: shiny, and soft enough to cut with a butter knife.
If you had to guess, would you build a bridge out of a metal you can cut with a butter knife?
Iron against sodium
Row by row.
The transition elements are metals with similar properties which are different from those of the elements in Group 1. For each row, predict which metal wins.
Melting point: which is higher?
Predict.
Density: which is denser?
Predict.
Strength and hardness: which is harder?
Predict.
Reaction with water: which is more vigorous?
Predict.
Reaction with oxygen: which is more vigorous?
Predict.
Reaction with chlorine: which is more vigorous?
Predict.
Typical properties
Different charges, colours, catalysts.
Many transition elements have ions with different charges, form coloured compounds and are useful as catalysts. The spec’s examples are chromium, manganese, iron, cobalt, nickel and copper. Tap each.
Which of these is a transition-metal property that Group 1 metals do not show?
Pick one.
Think again · all metals?
“Metals react with water. Drop iron in a trough and it will fizz like sodium.”
Your call
ChooseIron filings are dropped into cold water. What happens?
Sort
Transition metal or Group 1?
Place each property.
Tap a card, then tap the box it belongs in. Tap a placed card to take it back.
Command words in this lesson
- Compare
- Transition metals with Group 1: melting point, density, strength, hardness, reactivity with oxygen, water and halogens.
- Describe
- The typical properties, with an example metal for each.
- Explain
- Why a transition metal suits a use.
Key fact
Compared with Group 1, transition metals have higher melting points and densities, are stronger and harder, and are much less reactive with oxygen, water and halogens. Many form ions with different charges, coloured compounds, and act as catalysts.
Key note · AQA 4.1.3.1–4.1.3.2 · Chemistry only
Properties of transition metals
- The transition elements are metals with similar properties which are different from those of the elements in Group 1. Examples: Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu.
- Compared with Group 1: higher melting points, higher densities, greater strength and hardness, and much lower reactivity with oxygen, water and halogens.
- Many transition elements have ions with different charges (Fe²⁺ and Fe³⁺; Cu⁺ and Cu²⁺).
- They form coloured compounds: copper(II) blue, iron(II) green, iron(III) orange-brown, nickel(II) green, cobalt(II) pink, manganate(VII) purple, dichromate orange. Group 1 compounds are white.
- They and their compounds are useful as catalysts: iron in the Haber process.
Photograph this card. Tomorrow, cover it and say each line first.
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Melting points and densities quoted are approximate: iron 1538 °C, 7.9 g/cm³; sodium 98 °C, 0.97 g/cm³.