Transition metals
The block of metals in the middle of the periodic table, including iron, copper and zinc. They are harder and denser than group 1 metals and make coloured compounds.
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Analogy
They are the strong workhorses of the table, built for jobs like bridges and wires.
In practice
Iron is used in buildings. Copper compounds make blue solutions.
Questions people ask
What are typical uses of transition metals?
Iron is used to make steel for buildings. Copper makes electrical wire and pipes. Many are used as catalysts, such as iron in making ammonia. Their compounds are often coloured and are used as pigments. They are strong, dense and have high melting points.
How are transition metals different from group 1 metals?
Transition metals are harder, stronger and denser, and have higher melting points. They react much more slowly with water and oxygen. Their compounds are often coloured. Group 1 metals are soft, light, melt easily and react quickly, so they are rarely used for building.