Special Properties of Transition Metals
Part of Transition Metals (HT) · GCSE GCSE Chemistry revision
This key facts covers Special Properties of Transition Metals within Transition Metals (HT) for GCSE Chemistry. Revise Transition Metals (HT) in Atomic Structure for GCSE Chemistry with 20 exam-style questions and 21 flashcards. Use this page as part of a wider topic revision path rather than treating it as an isolated fact. It is section 5 of 12 in this topic. Use this key facts to connect the idea to the wider topic before moving on to questions and flashcards.
Topic position
Section 5 of 12
Practice
20 questions
Recall
21 flashcards
✨ Special Properties of Transition Metals
1. They form COLOURED compounds
- Copper compounds → blue (copper sulfate solution)
- Iron(II) compounds → green
- Iron(III) compounds → orange/brown
- This is why transition metal compounds are used as pigments and dyes
2. They can form ions with DIFFERENT charges
- Iron can be Fe²⁺ (iron(II)) OR Fe³⁺ (iron(III))
- Copper can be Cu⁺ (copper(I)) OR Cu²⁺ (copper(II))
- Group 1 metals can ONLY form +1 ions
3. They are used as CATALYSTS
- Iron — catalyst in the Haber process (making ammonia)
- Nickel — catalyst for hydrogenation (making margarine)
- Platinum — catalyst in catalytic converters (cleaning car exhausts)
Keep building this topic
Read this section alongside the surrounding pages in Transition Metals (HT). That gives you the full topic sequence instead of a single isolated revision point.
Practice Questions for Transition Metals (HT)
Where in the periodic table are the transition metals located?
Explain why copper is a useful metal for electrical wiring.
Quick Recall Flashcards
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