Transition Metal

A transition metal is an element which forms at least one ion with a partially filled d subshell. The transition metals tend to inhabit the middle block of the periodic table and have many uses in modern industry.

Properties and Uses[edit]

• Color of chemical compounds - the d subshell of a transition metal ion is usually degenerate (all the same energy level), however in the presence of other atoms and ligands it can split into two energy levels with an energy gap often corresponding to wavelengths of electromagnetic radiation in the visible spectrum. As such a compound with a transition metal is able to absorb wavelengths of light causing them to be redundant in the reflected ray, hence producing color. As such transition metals form the basis of our paint and pigment industries.

See also[edit]

• Periodic table of the elements