Transition metals have different properties to metals in Group 1 of the periodic table. Describe three differences between the properties of transition metals and Group 1 metals.
Written & reviewed by James Millett — Biology (Imperial College London), PGCE Science (University of Cambridge).
Model answer (5 marks)
1. Transition metals have much higher melting points than Group 1 metals.
2. They are harder, stronger and denser than Group 1 metals.
3. Transition metals form coloured compounds, whereas Group 1 metals form white or colourless compounds.
4. Transition metals can form ions with several different charges (multiple oxidation states), while Group 1 metals only form +1 ions.
5. Transition metals can act as catalysts, a property not found in Group 1 metals.
2. They are harder, stronger and denser than Group 1 metals.
3. Transition metals form coloured compounds, whereas Group 1 metals form white or colourless compounds.
4. Transition metals can form ions with several different charges (multiple oxidation states), while Group 1 metals only form +1 ions.
5. Transition metals can act as catalysts, a property not found in Group 1 metals.
Examiner tips
- Use the exact terms – ‘higher melting point’, ‘harder/denser’, ‘coloured compounds’, ‘multiple oxidation states’, ‘catalysts’.
- Number each point clearly to match the 5 marks.
- Show contrast with Group 1 metals in every point.
Common mistakes
- Confusing ‘coloured’ with ‘colourless’ for transition metal compounds.
- Forgetting that Group 1 metals only form +1 ions.
- Mixing up melting points of transition metals with those of other metals.
Mark scheme (5 marks)
- Transition metals have higher melting points than Group 1 metals
- Transition metals are harder / stronger / denser than Group 1 metals
- Transition metals form coloured compounds whereas Group 1 metals form white / colourless compounds
- Transition metals can form ions with different charges / multiple oxidation states whereas Group 1 metals only form 1+ ions
- Transition metals can act as catalysts whereas Group 1 metals do not / transition metals are useful catalysts
Key terms in this question
transition metals · Group 1 metals
Related
- All AQA A-Level Chemistry (7405) revision notes →
- How to answer a "Describe" question →
- Decode the mark scheme abbreviations →
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