Transition metals

Let us learn about "Transition metals"

In the past it referred to any element in the d-block of the periodic table, which includes groups 3 to 12 on the periodic table. All elements in the d-block are metals. (In actuality, the f-block is also subtended—in the form of the lanthanide and actinide series.)

Transition metals have smaller atomic volumes than Group I and II metals because additional electrons are being progressively added to the inner atomic orbitals resulting in stronger attraction to the nucleus.

Transition Metals Non-Transition Metals Symbol V Cr Mn Fe Co Cu Na Mg Al K Ca Ba Atomic Number
(Z) 23 24 25 26 27 29 11 12 13 19 20 56 Valence Shell
Electron Configuration 3d³4s² 3d⁵4s¹ 3d⁵4s² 3d⁶4s² 3d⁷4s² 3d¹⁰4s¹ 3s¹ 3s² 3s²3p¹ 4s¹ 4s² 6s² Density
(g cm^-3) 6.1 7.2 7.4 7.9 8.9 8.9 0.97 1.7 2.7 0.86 1.6 3.5 Melting Point
(^oC) 1900 1900 1250 1540 1490 1083 98 650 660 64 838 714 Boiling Point
(^oC) 3450 2642 2100 3000 2900 2600 892 1110 2450 770 1490 1640

Characteristics of Transition Metals

All the transition metals except Zn, cd and Hg exhibit several physical and chemical properties.

Some of their properties are discussed below:

Variable oxidation states

Magnetic properties

Formation of colored compounds

Formation of complexes and Electrode potential and low reactivity

In our next blog we shall learn about electronegativity table

I hope the above explanation was useful.Keep reading and leave your comments.