AQA · GCSE · Chemistry
Course version: 8462 · Version from Sept 2018
Many transition elements have ions with different charges, form coloured…
Full specification wording
Typical properties: Many transition elements have ions with different charges, form coloured compounds and are useful as catalysts.
This statement covers three typical properties of transition elements.
Checked against the AQA 8462 specification (opens in a new tab) on .
- Point 1 of 2
- 3 key terms
Study notes
From the checked teaching notes for this specification point.
The idea
This statement covers three typical properties of transition elements. First, many form ions with different charges, known as variable oxidation states; iron forms Fe²⁺ and Fe³⁺, and copper forms Cu⁺ and Cu²⁺. Second, transition element compounds are often coloured: copper(II) sulfate is blue, iron(III) chloride is yellow-brown and potassium manganate(VII) is purple. Third, transition elements and their compounds are useful catalysts: iron catalyses the Haber process, nickel catalyses hydrogenation and manganese(IV) oxide catalyses the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide. You do not need to explain why these properties occur at GCSE. When answering, name the element or compound, state the property and give a specific example.
What earns the marks
- Many transition elements form ions with different charges, for example Fe²⁺ and Fe³⁺ or Cu⁺ and Cu²⁺.
- Transition element compounds are often coloured, such as blue copper(II) sulfate and purple potassium manganate(VII).
- Transition elements and their compounds act as catalysts, for example iron in the Haber process.
- Nickel is used as a catalyst in the hydrogenation of alkenes to alkanes.
- Manganese(IV) oxide catalyses the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide.
Common mistakes and how to put them right
Stating that all transition element compounds are coloured.
Put it right by saying many are coloured, since some such as zinc compounds are white.
Giving a catalyst without naming the reaction.
Put it right by stating both, for example iron catalyses the Haber process.
Writing ion charges without superscript signs.
Put it right by using notation such as Fe²⁺ and Fe³⁺.
Exam tips
- For each typical property, prepare one named example so you can answer quickly and precisely.
- When describing variable charges, give two ions of the same element to show the difference clearly.
Try the lesson
The start of the Typical properties: Many transition elements have ions with different charges, form coloured compounds and are useful as catalysts. lesson, made from checked teaching notes for this specification point.
Have a go first
Which property is typical of many transition elements?
Listen
This statement covers three typical properties of transition elements. First, many form ions with different charges, known as variable oxidation states; iron forms Fe²⁺ and Fe³⁺, and copper forms Cu⁺ and Cu²⁺. Second, transition element compounds are often coloured: copper(II) sulfate is blue, iron(III) chloride is yellow-brown and potassium manganate(VII) is purple. Third, transition elements and their compounds are useful catalysts: iron catalyses the Haber process, nickel catalyses hydrogenation and manganese(IV) oxide catalyses the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide. You do not need to explain why these properties occur at GCSE. When answering, name the element or compound, state the property and give a specific example. A strong answer earns marks for these points. Many transition elements form ions with different charges, for example Fe²⁺ and Fe³⁺ or Cu⁺ and Cu²⁺. Transition element compounds are often coloured, such as blue copper(II) sulfate and purple potassium manganate(VII). Transition elements and their compounds act as catalysts, for example iron in the Haber process. Nickel is used as a catalyst in the hydrogenation of alkenes to alkanes. A common slip: Stating that all transition element compounds are coloured. Instead, saying many are coloured, since some such as zinc compounds are white. Exam tip: For each typical property, prepare one named example so you can answer quickly and precisely.
Key words
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Variable oxidation states
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Coloured transition element compounds
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Catalysis in industrial and laboratory reactions
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See every definition
- Variable oxidation states
- Many transition elements form ions with different charges, for example iron forms Fe²⁺ and Fe³⁺ and copper forms Cu⁺ and Cu²⁺.
- Coloured transition element compounds
- Compounds of transition elements are often coloured, such as blue copper(II) sulfate, yellow-brown iron(III) chloride and purple potassium manganate(VII).
- Catalysis in industrial and laboratory reactions
- Transition elements and their compounds are useful catalysts, for example iron catalyses the Haber process and nickel catalyses hydrogenation.
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