Typical properties — AQA GCSE Chemistry
Test yourself on Typical properties with AQA GCSE practice questions.
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Typical properties explained
This statement covers three typical properties of transition elements.
Read the full explanation
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.
Your focus
- Describe that many transition elements form ions with different charges.
- Describe that many transition element compounds are coloured.
- Describe that transition elements and their compounds are useful as catalysts, giving named examples.
Typical properties exam tips
Marking 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.
- Manganese(IV) oxide catalyses the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide.
Examiner 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.
Common Mistakes
- Stating that all transition element compounds are coloured: correct this by saying many are coloured, since some such as zinc compounds are white.
- Giving a catalyst without naming the reaction: correct this by stating both, for example iron catalyses the Haber process.
- Writing ion charges without superscript signs: correct this by using notation such as Fe²⁺ and Fe³⁺.