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What are Transition Metals? Define Transition Metals
Transition Metals are used as a term in
Periodic Chemistry when classifying the chemical elements. Each element can usually
be classified as a metal or a non-metal based on their general
Physical and Chemical Properties. Transition Metals are any of the metallic elements
within Groups 3 to 12 in the Periodic Table (see the List of Transition
metals) that have an incomplete inner electron shell and that serve as
transitional links between the most and the least electropositive in a
series of elements.
What are Transition Metals? Common Properties of Transition Metals
All the transition metals have two
electrons in their outermost shell, and all but zinc, cadmium, and mercury
have an incompletely filled inner shell. Terms including multiple valences
(because of their incomplete inner shells), high melting points, colored
compounds, and the ability to form stable complex ions and alloys describe
some of the properties of transition metals. Nearly 75% of all the
elements in the Periodic Table are classified as metals which are detailed
in the
List of Metals.
Elements classified as Transition Metals
The elements classified as "Transition Metals" are located in
Groups 3 - 12 of the Periodic Table. Elements classified as
Transition Metals are generally described as ductile, malleable, and conduct
electricity and heat - but there are some exceptions.
Common properties of
Transition Metals
The elements classed as transition metals generally have the following properties in
common:
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Good
conductors of heat and electricity
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Easily
hammered or bent into shape
-
Usually
hard and tough
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High
densities
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High
melting points - but mercury is a liquid at room temperature
-
Form
coloured compounds
Transition Metals - Chemical Elements in the Periodic Table
The elements contained in
the classification of Transition Metals list are as follows:
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