Transition Elements
Section: Chemistry | Syllabus: Cambridge IGCSE Combined Science (0653)
Properties of Transition Elements
Transition elements occupy the central block of the Periodic Table (e.g. Sc to Zn, including iron, copper, and platinum). As metals they are:
- high density
- high melting point
- form coloured compounds
- often act as catalysts, both as the element and in compounds
| Compound | Colour |
|---|---|
| Copper(II) sulfate | blue |
| Iron(III) oxide | red-brown |
| Potassium manganate(VII) | purple |
Worked Example: Identifying a General Property
- Question: platinum is a transition metal. Which statement about it is correct? (A) it does not catalyse reactions (B) it forms coloured compounds (C) it has a low density (D) it has a low melting point [1]
- Answer: B. Platinum forms coloured compounds, like other transition metals. It IS a well-known catalyst (ruling out A), and it has a very high density and melting point, not low (ruling out C and D).
Worked Example: Stating Two Properties
- Question: titanium is a transition element used as a catalyst. State two other properties of transition elements. [2]
- Answer: any two of - high density; high melting/boiling point; form coloured compounds
Common Mistakes
- ❌ Saying transition metals "only form white compounds"
- ✓ the opposite is true - forming coloured compounds is one of their defining characteristics
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