Properties and Reactivity of Transition Elements vs Alkali Metals

Introduction

• Goal: Describe the properties of transition elements in comparison to alkali metals.
• Focus on reactivity of transition elements.

Periodic Table Overview

• Metals: Found on the left side of the periodic table.
• Non-metals: Located on the right side.
• Transition Elements: Central part of the periodic table; all are metals.

Alkali Metals (Group 1)

• Characteristics:
  • Soft, can be cut with a knife.
  • Low melting points.
  • Low density (Lithium, Sodium, Potassium less dense than water).
  • React rapidly with oxygen, chlorine, and water.
  • Form +1 ions (e.g., Sodium -> Na+).

Transition Elements

• Key Properties:
  • Hard and strong metals (e.g., Iron).
  • High melting points (except Mercury, liquid at room temperature).
  • High density.
  • Less reactive compared to group 1 metals.
  • Can form ions with different charges (e.g., Iron: Fe²⁺, Fe³⁺; Nickel: Ni²⁺, Ni⁴⁺).
  • Form colored compounds:
    • Iron Oxide: reddish
    • Manganese Chloride: pink
    • Chromium Chloride: purple
  • Can be used as catalysts (examples in later videos).

Summary

• Able to describe and compare properties of transition elements and alkali metals.
• Understand the differences in reactivity between these groups.

Additional Resources

• Questions and further revision available in the workbook (link provided in video).