Studied by 0 peopleWhat is a transition metal?
A metal that can form one or more stable ions with an incomplete d subshell.
Which electrons are removed first to help transition metals form positive ions?
The 4s electrons, and then the 3d electrons.
Why are scandium and zinc not transition metals?
Their stable ions don’t have incomplete d subshells. Scandium only forms a 3+ ion which has an empty d subshell, and zinc only forms a 2+ ion which has a full d subshell.
What are the typical physical properties of the transition metals?
They all have a high density.
They all have high melting and boiling points.
What are the four chemical properties of transition metal ions?
Form complex ions.
Form coloured compounds.
Have variable oxidation states.
Act as good catalysts.
Why do transition metal ions demonstrate variable oxidation states?
The energies of the 4s and 3d subshells is very similar so different numbers of electrons can be easily gained/lost using little energy.
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