Friday, July 16, 2010
Transition Metals are the metals in dark blue in the above periodic table. Due to the strong atomic bonding, these metals are very strong. Thus, they are used in catalysts and alloys. Some common transition metals are zinc, silver, gold and mercury.Characteristics-
- Bonding of atoms are very strong
- Have high melting and boiling points
- High density
- Good conductor of electricity as they have a lot of electrons to carry energy
- Not reactive to water or oxygen
- When they form salt compounds, they usually are coloured, e.g. nickel chloride is green
Alloys-
Transition metals are commonly used to make alloys. Iron is combined with carbon and other materials to make steel. Copper is combined with zinc to make brass.
Catalysts-
Some transition metals are used as catalysts in chemical reactions to speed up the rate of reaction. For example, vegetable oil is changed into saturated fats that take longer to melt by hydrogenation.
+ [ written by SEOWHWEE ] + 5:27 AM