Transition metals aren’t as reactive as group 1
The transition metals have the following properties in common:
they form coloured compounds
they are good conductors of heat and electricity
they can be hammered or bent into shape easily
they are less reactive than alkali metals such as sodium
they have high melting points – but mercury is a liquid at room temperature
they are usually hard and tough
they have high densities
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Uses of transition metals
Iron is used in building materials, tools and building materials and as a catalyst in the manufacture of ammonia
Titanium is used for pipes in nuclear power station, fighter aircraft and artificial hip joints
Copper is used for wires and water pipes
Nickel is used for coins and as a catalyst in the manufacture of margarine.
Differences between transition metals and alkali metals
Alkali metals are far softer and far more reactive as they only have one free electron which they want to get rid of.
Transition metals can be combined with other metals to form compounds, alkali metals would react violently instead.
Alkali metals can be bonded with the halogens and never try to make covalent bonds.
The alkali metals have much lower melting points than transition metals.
Transition metals form multiple ions whereas alkali metals can only form 1+ ions, this means transition metals can be used as catalysts.
compounds
iron carbonate ? iron oxide + carbon dioxide
manganese carbonate ? manganese dioxide + carbon dioxide
zinc carbonate ? zinc oxide and carbon dioxide
