Transition metals are the metals found in the middle of the periodic table, between Group 2 and Group 13. These metals have unusual properties because of an unusual electron configuration: the electrons these metals use to combine with other elements are found in more than one shell. These metals readily form alloys, exhibit unusual colors when oxidized and may be magnetic.
Alloy Formation
Alloys are solids made out of a combination of metals. Common examples of alloys include brass (made out of copper and zinc) and steel (made out of iron and carbon). Alloys are made by mixing metals together to make a stronger metal.
Physical Properties
Transition metals have high melting and boiling points because of their unusual electron configuration. They are all white lustrous metals except for copper. When oxidized, they may give off unusual colors; hydrated copper sulfate, for example, is light blue, and potassium chromate is orange.
Paramagnetic Properties
Iron, copper, and nickel are paramagnetic; compounds of these metals produce a magnetic field. Most other transition metals are dimagnetic, meaning that they produce a weakly negative magnetic field and repel most magnets.
