GCSE · Chemistry · AQA · Spec 8462 · Higher

Transition metals vs Group 1

Two ways to compare

Physical propertiesvsChemical reactions

Separate the physical-property comparison from the reaction comparison.

Focus

Main comparison

Physical properties

Melting points, densities, strength and hardness differ from Group 1.

Chemical reactions

Reactivity differs from Group 1.

The insight

A full comparison includes both how the metals differ in physical properties and how they differ in reactions.

What to name

Physical properties

Melting point, density, strength and hardness.

Chemical reactions

Reactions with oxygen, water and the halogens.

Examples used

Physical properties

Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni and Cu are referenced when comparing transition-metal properties.

Chemical reactions

Transition metals are compared with Group 1 through their reactivity with oxygen, water and halogens.

Build the whole idea

Move from comparison to the typical properties of transition elements.

  1. Start with physical differencesTransition metals have higher melting points and higher densities than Group 1 metals, and are stronger and harder.
  2. Add reaction differencesThey are less reactive with oxygen, water and the halogens than Group 1 metals.
  3. Notice their ions and compoundsMany transition elements have ions with different charges and form coloured compounds.
  4. Finish with usefulnessMany transition elements are useful as catalysts, completing the set of typical properties.
  5. Connect the examplesCompounds of Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni and Cu are used to exemplify these typical transition-metal properties.

Typical transition-metal features

These are the recurring properties to remember after the Group 1 comparison.

Core language

Tap through the phrases that organise the whole topic.

Predict, then check

Choose the statement that captures the typical properties most completely.

Which statement gives the best summary of the typical properties of many transition elements?

WHAT YOU'VE LEARNED

A quick recap of today's lesson.

Compare their properties and learn the typical features of transition elements.

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