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The transition metals are the elements found in the central area of the periodic table.

The majority of transition metals have the following properties in common.

• They form coloured compounds.
• They are good conductors of heat and electricity.
• They are malleable, ie can be hammered or bent into shape easily.
• They are less reactive than alkali metals, such as sodium.
• They have high melting points – but mercury is a liquid at room temperature.
• They are usually hard and tough.
• They usually have high densities.
• They can form ions with different charges. For example, iron can lose two electrons to form Fe²⁺ ions or it can lose three electrons to form Fe³⁺ ions. Another example is Cu⁺ and Cu²⁺.