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Due to its softness, malachite is often used for carving.

Periodic Table - Transition Elements

Transition elements sit in the middle of the Periodic Table and have useful properties. This GCSE Chemistry quiz explores density, conductivity, catalysts, and colourful compounds.

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Fascinating Fact:

Transition metals are good conductors of heat and electricity because they have delocalised electrons. This supports uses in wiring and electrical components.

In GCSE Chemistry, transition elements include metals such as iron, copper, nickel, and chromium. They are typically strong, dense, and have high melting points, making them useful for construction and manufacturing. Many are good conductors because their metallic bonding involves delocalised electrons that can move through the structure. Transition metals are also known for forming coloured compounds and for acting as catalysts, which speed up reactions without being used up, for example in industrial processes.

Key Terms

Transition element: A metal found in the central block of the Periodic Table with typical metallic properties and varied chemistry.
Delocalised electrons: Electrons that are free to move through a metal’s structure, helping it conduct electricity and heat.
Catalyst: A substance that speeds up a reaction without being used up, often by providing an alternative reaction pathway.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are transition elements in GCSE Chemistry?

Transition elements are metals in the central block of the Periodic Table, such as iron and copper. They are typically dense, strong, and good conductors, and they often form coloured compounds.

Why do transition metals form coloured compounds?

Transition metals form coloured compounds because of the way their electrons are arranged and how they absorb parts of visible light. Different ions and oxidation states can produce different colours.

Why are transition metals used as catalysts?

Transition metals are used as catalysts because they can provide a surface or pathway that helps reactions happen faster. Their variable oxidation states can also help transfer electrons during reactions.

Try These Related Quizzes

1 .

Many of the properties of the transition metals are due to their electronic arrangement. How is this different to other metals?

There is a partially filled electron shell between shells 2 and 3

There is a partially filled electron shell between shells 1 and 2

There is a partially filled electron shell between shells 3 and 4

The innermost electron shell has 4 electrons in it

This property explains why the transition metals form coloured compounds and results in their use as catalysts

2 .

Which of the following is NOT a property of the transition metals?

Hard

Malleable

Good thermal conductor

Low boiling point

The transition metals are 'typical' metals with one exception

3 .

Where on the periodic table are the transition elements found?

On the right

On the left

In the middle

At the bottom

The transition elements are found in a block from scandium to zinc in the centre of the periodic table

4 .

What does the Roman numeral in brackets after a transition element's name signify?

The number of atoms in the compound

The number of bonds formed

The type of ion formed

The number of atoms it is bonded with

e.g. Copper (II) is Cu²⁺ ions in a compound

5 .

Many transition elements are mixed with other elements to form very useful alloys. Which of the following is NOT a correct mixture for a useful alloy?

Copper and zinc to make brass

Iron and carbon to make mild steel

Iron and copper to make stainless steel

Copper and tin to make bronze

Stainless steel is made of iron, chromium and sometimes nickel

6 .

Which transition metal is the 'odd one out'?

Copper

Mercury

Gold

Vanadium

Mercury is the only metal that is a liquid at room temperature

7 .

Transition elements often form coloured compounds. Pick the correct colours for the following compounds.

Iron (II) pale green
Iron (III) reddish brown
Copper (II) blue

Iron (II) reddish brown
Iron (III) blue
Copper (II) green

Iron (II) green
Iron (III) pale blue
Copper (II) brown

Iron (II) dark blue
Iron (III) pale green
Copper (II) bright red

The brownish red of iron (III) is the distinctive colour we associate with rust

8 .

One alloy made from a transition element is bronze, produced from copper and tin. Bronze was used in the manufacture of swords. They were found to be much harder than swords made of pure copper or tin. Why are bronze swords harder than copper swords?

In the pure element, the atoms are arranged in sheets where they can slide over each other. With bronze, the tin atoms prevent this from happening

In the pure element, the atoms are arranged haphazardly and are hard to move

In the pure element, the atoms are not able to move at all, but in the alloy, the atoms can move around

The tin atoms in the alloy allow the copper atoms to move freely making the alloy really strong

In an exam question, a diagram will help you to explain this

9 .

Transition elements are often used as catalysts. Select the INCORRECT pairing of catalyst and process.

Platinum in car exhausts

Iron and Haber process

Nickel and the hydrogenation of oils

Manganese and the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide

Manganese (IV) oxide (MnO₂) is used in the process of production of oxygen gas in the laboratory

10 .

Transition element compounds are often used as coloured pigments to stain glass and pottery. What colour does malachite (a copper compound) produce?

Blue

Green

Red

White

Malachite is a naturally occurring mineral well known for its bright green colour. It is often used for jewellery and, due to its softness, for carving

You can find more about this topic by visiting BBC Bitesize - Transition metals

Author: Kate Gardiner (Chemistry Educator & GCSE Quiz Writer)

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