# Iron and copper are both transition metals. Describe three properties that iron and copper share which are typical of transition metals, and for each property explain how it differs from the properties of a Group 1 metal such as sodium.

> Edexcel A-Level Chemistry (9CH0) — 15.1 Transition metal chemistry · Describe · 5 marks

> Transition metals occupy the central block of the periodic table. They include familiar metals such as iron, copper, nickel and chromium.

## Mark scheme (5 marks)

1. Transition metals have high melting points / high densities / are hard and strong (any one physical property correctly stated)
2. This physical property is much greater than that of sodium / Group 1 metals, which have low melting points / low densities / are soft (correct contrast stated)
3. Transition metals can form ions with different / variable oxidation states (e.g. Fe²⁺ and Fe³⁺, or Cu⁺ and Cu²⁺)
4. Sodium only forms one type of ion (Na⁺) / Group 1 metals always form 1+ ions, so they do not show variable oxidation states
5. Transition metal compounds are often coloured (e.g. copper compounds are blue/green, iron(III) compounds are orange/brown) whereas sodium compounds are generally white / colourless

## Key terms

- [transition metals](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/transition-metals)

## Related

- [Revision notes for Edexcel A-Level Chemistry (9CH0)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Describe" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/iron-and-copper-are-both-transition-2e18a428) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.