AQA GCSE Chemistry
AQA GCSE Chemistry 4.1.3 Properties of Transition Metals Exam Questions
Free AQA GCSE Chemistry exam questions for 4.1.3 Properties of Transition Metals, with a mark scheme for every pack. Covers comparing transition metals with Group 1 metals, typical properties, ions with different charges, coloured compounds and catalysts.
4.1.3 Properties of Transition Metals exam questions
1 question pack of real past exam questions, each with its mark scheme. Do not stop after a few: answer as many as you can without notes, then mark every answer with the mark scheme. The more questions you do, the more quickly you will spot how examiners ask about each idea.
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About AQA GCSE Chemistry 4.1.3 Properties of Transition Metals
Section 4.1.3 is content for AQA GCSE Chemistry (separate science) only and extends your work on the periodic table into the central block. You compare transition metals such as chromium, manganese, iron, cobalt, nickel and copper with the Group 1 alkali metals and learn the typical properties that make them so useful. It is assessed on Paper 1 and links to catalysts in 4.6, the Haber process in 4.10 and alloys in 4.10.3. Questions often give a table of data to compare, or ask you to explain why a transition metal suits a particular use.
What you need to know
- Comparison with Group 1 Compared with Group 1 metals, transition metals have higher melting points (except mercury), higher densities, and are stronger and harder. They are much less reactive, for example with water and oxygen.
- Typical elements At GCSE you should know properties using Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni and Cu as examples.
- Ions with different charges Many transition metals form ions with different charges, for example Fe2+ and Fe3+, or Cu+ and Cu2+. The Roman numeral in a name such as iron(III) oxide gives the charge.
- Coloured compounds Transition metal compounds are often coloured, for example copper(II) compounds are often blue and iron(II) hydroxide is green. These colours are used in tests for ions in 4.8.3.
- Catalysts Transition metals and their compounds are useful catalysts: iron in the Haber process for ammonia, nickel in the hydrogenation of vegetable oils, and manganese(IV) oxide in decomposing hydrogen peroxide.
Common mistakes in 4.1.3 Properties of Transition Metals
- Saying transition metals are more reactive than alkali metals. They are much less reactive.
- Claiming all transition metals have high melting points. Mercury is a liquid at room temperature, so say 'most' or 'generally'.
- Writing that a catalyst is used up in the reaction. A catalyst speeds up a reaction without being used up.
- Forgetting that transition metal ions can have more than one charge when writing formulae. Use the Roman numeral: iron(III) chloride is FeCl3, iron(II) chloride is FeCl2.
Try three 4.1.3 Properties of Transition Metals exam-style questions
1. Give two properties of transition metals that are different from Group 1 metals. (2 marks)
Show the mark scheme answer
Any two from: higher melting point; higher density; stronger or harder; less reactive; form coloured compounds; form ions with different charges.
2. Iron forms two chlorides. Write the formulae of iron(II) chloride and iron(III) chloride. (2 marks)
Show the mark scheme answer
FeCl2; FeCl3.
3. Explain why transition metals are used in industry as catalysts. (2 marks)
Show the mark scheme answer
They increase the rate of reaction; without being used up, so can be reused; they provide an alternative pathway with lower activation energy (allow lower temperatures, saving energy).
4.1.3 Properties of Transition Metals FAQs
What does AQA GCSE Chemistry 4.1.3 cover?
It covers how transition metals compare with Group 1 metals, their typical physical properties, their ability to form ions with different charges and coloured compounds, and their use as catalysts.
Is 4.1.3 on the combined science course?
No. 4.1.3 Properties of transition metals is in the separate Chemistry specification only, and is assessed on Paper 1.
Which examples of transition metal catalysts should I learn?
Learn iron in the Haber process, nickel in hydrogenating vegetable oils and manganese(IV) oxide for decomposing hydrogen peroxide. Being able to name one use and the reaction it speeds up usually earns the mark.
