Fotolia
The terms in red link to topics in the AQA, Edexcel, OCR, WJEC and CCEA A-level specifications, as well as the SQA exam specifications.
Transition metals are found in d-block (groups 3–12) of the periodic table. They have partly filled d-shells (with the exception of zinc, cadmium and mercury) which give rise to the elements having more than one oxidation state. This makes them ideal catalysts. Their varied colours are due to d-d electronic transitions, which you might have seen when performing flame tests.
Your organisation does not have access to this article.
Sign up today to give your students the edge they need to achieve their best grades with subject expertise
Subscribe
