Transition Elements (Cambridge (CIE) IGCSE Combined Science): Revision Note

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 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