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4.1.11 Transition metals

Paper 1 · Higher combined

What you need to know

  • The transition metals are a block of elements found between groups 2 and 3 in the middle of the periodic table. Examples of transition me…
  • included. They have all the properties you would expect metals to have, such as being strong, shiny and conductors of electricity and hea…
  • they speed up a reaction without being used up themselves. Iron is used as a catalyst during the Haber process when making ammonia.
  • Transition metals can form more than one ion. For example, copper can take the form of Cu+ , Cu²+ and iron can be Fe²+ and Fe³+ . The ion…
  • are also coloured.

KO match: The Transition Metals

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Self-assessment (checklist)

  • (Add checklist points)

Key steps (method)

  • Identify what the question is testing (definition / calculation / explanation).
  • Use the correct chemistry vocabulary and link cause → effect.
  • If it’s a calculation: write the equation/formula first, then substitute carefully.

Common mistakes

  • Giving a fact without linking it to the question.
  • Missing units / state symbols when asked.
  • Not showing enough working to score method marks.

Exam-style questions (quick)

  1. Define the key term(s) for this mini-topic.
  2. Explain a typical property/result using particle/bonding ideas.
  3. Do a short calculation or interpretation step relevant to this mini-topic.