Transition Metals vs Group 1 Metals (Oxford AQA IGCSE Chemistry)

Difference in Properties of Transition Metals & Group 1 Metals

• Transition metals and Group 1 metals (the alkali metals) differ in some of their properties

• Compared with Group 1 elements, transition metals:

  • Have higher melting points (except mercury)

    • Titanium melts at 1,688 ºC whereas potassium melts at only 63.5 ºC, not far off the average cup of tea!

  • Have higher densities

    • Some Group 1 elements will float on water but no transition metal will

  • Are stronger and harder

    • Some Group 1 metals can be cut with a knife, unlike transition metals

  • Are much less reactive

    • Group 1 metals will react vigorously with water or oxygen compared to transition metals

    • For example, a Group 1 metal will tarnish in the presence of oxygen as a metal oxide is formed

    • Iron on the other hand can take several weeks to react with oxygen to form iron oxide (rust) and requires the presence of water