Topic: The Periodic Table – Transition Elements
Lesson 1: Physical and Chemical Properties of Transition Elements
| Section | Details |
|---|---|
| Objective | Describe the transition elements as metals that: (a) have high densities, (b) have high melting points. |
| Activities | – Starter (5 mins): Show examples of transition metals (e.g., iron, copper, gold) and ask: “What do these metals have in common?”- Main (25 mins): 1. Explain the physical properties of transition metals, including high density and melting points, using their atomic structure. 2. Compare these properties with Group I metals. 3. Provide examples of applications where these properties are useful (e.g., construction, jewelry).- Plenary (10 mins): Students complete a table comparing the physical properties of transition metals with Group I metals. |
| Resources | Periodic table, images or samples of transition metals, worksheets. |
| Time | 40 minutes total: 5 mins (Starter) + 25 mins (Main) + 10 mins (Plenary). |
| Homework | Research the melting point and density of three transition metals and write about their applications. |
| Assessment | Worksheet: Identify metals with high densities and melting points based on data provided. |
| Past Paper Practice | IGCSE Chemistry 0620/41/M/J/20 Q6(a) – Physical properties of transition metals. |
Lesson 2: Variable Oxidation Numbers
| Section | Details |
|---|---|
| Objective | Describe how transition elements have variable oxidation numbers and explain their significance in forming compounds. |
| Activities | – Starter (5 mins): Show examples of transition metal compounds (e.g., FeCl2\text{FeCl}_2 and FeCl3\text{FeCl}_3) and ask: “Why does iron form more than one compound?”- Main (25 mins): 1. Explain the concept of oxidation numbers and how transition metals exhibit variable oxidation states. 2. Provide examples with iron (+2+2, +3+3) and copper (+1+1, +2+2). 3. Discuss the role of variable oxidation numbers in redox reactions.- Plenary (10 mins): Students write half-equations for the redox reactions of iron or copper. |
| Resources | Transition metal compounds, worksheets, periodic table. |
| Time | 40 minutes total: 5 mins (Starter) + 25 mins (Main) + 10 mins (Plenary). |
| Homework | Write balanced equations showing the reduction of Fe3+\text{Fe}^{3+} to Fe2+\text{Fe}^{2+} and explain the process. |
| Assessment | Worksheet: Identify oxidation numbers of transition metals in given compounds. |
| Past Paper Practice | IGCSE Chemistry 0620/41/O/N/21 Q5(b) – Variable oxidation states of transition metals. |
Lesson 3: Coloured Compounds of Transition Metals
| Section | Details |
|---|---|
| Objective | Describe how transition elements form coloured compounds and explain their applications. |
| Activities | – Starter (5 mins): Show pictures of coloured compounds of transition metals (e.g., copper sulfate, potassium dichromate) and ask: “Why are these compounds coloured?”- Main (25 mins): 1. Explain that the color of transition metal compounds is due to the splitting of d-orbitals and the absorption of certain wavelengths of light. 2. Provide examples of coloured compounds: CuSO4\text{CuSO}_4 (blue), FeCl3\text{FeCl}_3 (yellow), K2Cr2O7\text{K}_2\text{Cr}_2\text{O}_7 (orange). 3. Discuss the use of these compounds in industry (e.g., pigments, indicators).- Plenary (10 mins): Students match transition metal compounds to their colors and uses in a worksheet. |
| Resources | Samples or images of coloured compounds, worksheets, periodic table. |
| Time | 40 minutes total: 5 mins (Starter) + 25 mins (Main) + 10 mins (Plenary). |
| Homework | Research one coloured compound of a transition metal and describe its industrial application. |
| Assessment | Worksheet: Identify transition metal compounds based on their color and write their uses. |
| Past Paper Practice | IGCSE Chemistry 0620/41/M/J/19 Q6(b) – Formation of coloured compounds by transition metals. |
Lesson 4: Transition Metals as Catalysts
| Section | Details |
|---|---|
| Objective | Explain how transition metals and their compounds act as catalysts. |
| Activities | – Starter (5 mins): Ask: “Why are transition metals often used in industrial processes?”- Main (25 mins): 1. Define a catalyst and explain how transition metals and their compounds lower activation energy in reactions. 2. Provide examples of catalysts: iron in the Haber process, vanadium(V) oxide in the Contact process, and platinum in catalytic converters. 3. Discuss the environmental and economic importance of catalysts.- Plenary (10 mins): Students complete a table summarizing the catalysts used in specific reactions and their roles. |
| Resources | Diagrams of industrial processes, worksheets, videos. |
| Time | 40 minutes total: 5 mins (Starter) + 25 mins (Main) + 10 mins (Plenary). |
| Homework | Write a short explanation of the role of a catalyst in the Haber process. |
| Assessment | Worksheet: Match transition metals to their catalytic roles in industrial processes. |
| Past Paper Practice | IGCSE Chemistry 0620/41/O/N/20 Q5(a) – Catalytic roles of transition metals. |
Key Notes for Students:
- Physical Properties:
- High density and melting points compared to Group I metals.
- Chemical Properties:
- Variable oxidation numbers (e.g., Fe2+\text{Fe}^{2+} and Fe3+\text{Fe}^{3+}).
- Form coloured compounds due to d-electron transitions.
- Catalytic Role:
- Transition metals lower activation energy and speed up reactions in industrial processes.
Notes for Teachers:
- Use real-life applications of transition metals (e.g., catalytic converters, pigments) to engage students.
- Provide visual aids for concepts like variable oxidation states and coloured compounds.
- Include hands-on experiments or demonstrations where possible to enhance understanding.
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