Video Transcript
Which of the following is not a
common property of the transition metals? (A) Dense, (B) strong, (C) shiny,
(D) colorful, or (E) electrically conductive.
In their elemental state,
transition metals have characteristics similar to what we traditionally think of as
metals. They can be heavy and are commonly
dense materials. For example, two of the most dense
elements are osmium and iridium, both transition metals. And they have a density of 22.65
and 22.56 grams per cubic centimeter, respectively. Compare the densities to an alkali
metal like sodium with a density of 0.97 grams per cubic centimeter and we can
eliminate answer choice (A) because it’s a common property of transition metals.
Looking at answer choice (B),
transition metals are usually very strong as well. Titanium, for example, is a metal
often used for high-stress applications, like turbine blades, and some sports
equipment, like golf clubs. And so, we can eliminate answer
choice (B).
Shininess is another common
characteristic of transition metals. Things like gold, silver, and
platinum are often used and polished to bring out the shininess in jewelry. Transition metals are also
incredibly electrically conductive. And metals such as copper are often
used to bring electricity into our homes and businesses. And so we know that answer choice
(E) is not the correct answer.
That leaves us with answer choice
(D). Most transition metals are silver
or grey in color when in their neutral states. Silver, platinum, chromium, and
palladium are all examples of similarly colored, common transition metals.
And now at this point, we can
revisit and answer the question. Which of the following is not a
common property of the transition metals? And the correct choice is answer
choice (D) colorful.
