Atomic StructureTopic Summary
Topic Summary: Transition Metals
Part of Transition Metals (HT) — GCSE Chemistry
This topic summary covers Topic Summary: 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 20 flashcards. This topic appears less often, but it can still be a useful differentiator on mixed-topic papers. It is section 12 of 12 in this topic. Use this topic summary to connect the idea to the wider topic before moving on to questions and flashcards.
Topic position
Section 12 of 12
Practice
20 questions
Recall
20 flashcards
Topic Summary: Transition Metals
Key Terms
- Transition metals: Central block, centre of periodic table
- Catalyst: Speeds up reaction, not used up
- Variable charge: e.g., Fe²⁺ or Fe³⁺
- Alloy: Metal mixed with other elements
Must-Know Facts
- Hard, dense, high melting point, less reactive than Group 1
- Form coloured compounds: Cu = blue, Fe²⁺ = green, Fe³⁺ = orange-brown
- Can form variable ions (e.g., Fe²⁺ and Fe³⁺)
- Iron: catalyst in Haber process (ammonia)
- Nickel: catalyst for hydrogenation (margarine)
- Platinum: catalyst in catalytic converters
- Alloys harder than pure metals — different-sized atoms disrupt regular layers
- Steel (Fe + C), brass (Cu + Zn), bronze (Cu + Sn)