1. 1
   A student examines samples of iron, copper and manganese compounds in the laboratory, noticing that copper sulfate solution is blue, potassium manganate(VII) solution is purple, and iron(III) chloride solution is yellow-brown.

   (a)

   Where in the periodic table are the transition metals, such as iron and copper, located?

   [1 mark]

   • ABetween Group 2 and Group 3
   • BIn Group 1
   • CIn Group 7
   • DIn Group 0

   (b)

   What property of transition metal compounds is being observed in this experiment?

   [1 mark]

   • AThey are all white solids
   • BThey are all colourless
   • CThey do not dissolve in water
   • DThey form coloured compounds

   (c)

   Give two other general properties of transition metals, besides forming coloured compounds, that distinguish them from Group 1 metals.

   [2 marks]

   Total for question 1: 4 marks

2. 2
   A chemist is analysing an unknown catalyst used in an industrial process and identifies it as a compound of iron, noting that iron can exist as both iron(II) and iron(III) compounds depending on the reaction conditions.

   (a)

   A chemist finds that iron can form both iron(II) compounds and iron(III) compounds. What does this demonstrate about transition metal ions?

   [1 mark]

   • AThey always have a charge of +1
   • BThey can have different (variable) charges
   • CThey never form ions
   • DThey only form negative ions

   (b)

   The chemist confirms the catalyst speeds up the industrial reaction without being used up. Which category of substance is being described?

   [1 mark]

   • AA product
   • BA reactant
   • CA catalyst
   • DA solvent

   (c)

   Explain why transition metals, such as iron, are commonly chosen as catalysts in industrial processes.

   [2 marks]

   Total for question 2: 4 marks

3. 3
   A museum display shows samples of several transition metals, including iron, copper, manganese and zinc, alongside information cards describing their general chemical properties.

   (a)

   Define what is meant by a transition metal, and state its position within the periodic table.

   [3 marks]

   (b)

   Using the samples on display, describe four general properties shared by many transition metals, and explain how these properties differ from those of Group 1 metals.

   [4 marks]

   Total for question 3: 7 marks

4. 4
   A jewellery designer is comparing gold, silver and copper (all transition metals) with sodium and potassium (Group 1 metals) to understand why the transition metals are preferred for jewellery and industrial catalysts, while Group 1 metals are not.

   (a)

   Describe the general properties of transition metals, giving named examples of elements, compounds and reactions that demonstrate each property discussed.

   [6 marks]

   (b)

   Explain why transition metals such as gold, silver and copper are much more suitable than Group 1 metals such as sodium and potassium for use in jewellery and as industrial catalysts, referring to relevant chemical and physical properties of each group.

   [6 marks]

   Total for question 4: 12 marks

End of questions