Terms including multiple valences (because of their incomplete inner shells), high melting points, colored compounds, and the ability to form stable complex ions and alloys describe some of the properties of transition metals. Nearly 75% of all the elements in the Periodic Table are classified as metals which are detailed in the List of Metals.
Elements classified as Transition Metals
The elements classified as "Transition Metals" are located in Groups 3 - 12 of the Periodic Table. Elements classified as Transition Metals are generally described as ductile, malleable, and conduct electricity and heat - but there are some exceptions.
Common properties of Transition Metals
The elements classed as transition metals generally have the following properties in common:
- Good conductors of heat and electricity
- Easily hammered or bent into shape
- Usually hard and tough
- High densities
- High melting points - but mercury is a liquid at room temperature
- Form coloured compounds
Transition Metals - Chemical Elements in the Periodic Table
The elements contained in the classification of Transition Metals list are as follows:
