Question

What are some similarities between transition metal elements and representational metals? (besides both are oxidized by nonmetals)

Answer 1

Representative elements

The representative elements are those found in the first two groups of the periodic table and in groups 13 through 18. They are also referred to as the main-group elements and comprise all known elements, except the transition metals located in the center of the periodic table.

Elements are organized in the periodic table according to their physical characteristics and chemical behaviors. The representative elements in group one are called the alkali metals, and they each possess only one valence electron in their outermost electron shell. The alkali metals are soft, lustrous metals that are highly conductive. The reaction of these elements with water is very exothermic and can even produce fire or an explosion.

Group two representative elements are called the alkaline earth metals. These elements are harder than the alkali metals in group one. The extent to which the alkaline earth metals react with water increases while moving down the periodic table. Beryllium, for example, is unable to react with water at all, while magnesium reacts with steam, but not water in the liquid phase. From calcium downward, the alkaline earth metals react with room-temperature water, but the reaction is slower and not as violent as a reaction with a group one alkali metal.

More points

• Transition metals have stronger interparticle forces and hence are harder than representative metals. They have higher densities and higher melting points.

• Transition metals exhibit variable oxidation states whereas representative metals rarely show variable oxidation states

• Transition metals form a large number of coordination complexes. Most of these complexes are coloured and paramagnetic. Representative metals have less tendency to form complexes. These complexes are generally white.

• Transition metals are less reactive than representative metals. This is due to their less electropositive nature.