D-block Elements: the Transition Metals

Labeled with "B" to distinguish them from the Representative "A" elements

Their electrons enter into the d sublevel

Located in the center of the periodic table

Properties of what we characteristically think of as metals

Transition elements can form multiple ions called "oxidation states"

Copper can be Cu+ or Cu 2+

Iron can be Fe 2+ or Fe3+

Physical properties and reactivities are determined by electron configuration

Different ions can be observed by color changes

Ferromagnetism is a strong attraction of a magnetic field due to ions

Cobalt, nickel, and iron are all magnetic metals

Copper, silver, gold, platinum, and palladium are found in nature in a pure state

Other transition metals are found as ores

Metallurgy