Which of the following elements are transition metals: Cu, Sr, Cd, Au, Al, Ge, Co? How can this be determined?

Question

Which of the following elements are transition metals: Cu, Sr, Cd, Au, Al, Ge, Co?  How can this be determined?

Wyatt Atkins · Accepted Answer

Cu, Cd, Au, Co

To determine which of these are transition metals using the Periodic Table:

Let's take a look at the Periodic Table. #color(lightcoral)("All transition metals are in groups 3-12.")#
I put a box around them for visual purposes.

So, first we have Cu. Cu falls within groups 3-12, therefore we can classify it as a transition metal.

Sr is in group 2. Sr is therefore classified as an Alkali Earth Metal, and is not considered a transition metal.

Cd is in group 12. Therefore, it is classified as a transition metal because it falls into our box. The same is said for Au.

Al is in group 13 and is classified as a metal. You may be tempted to say that it's a metalloid, but it is actually a metal.

Ge is a metalloid in group 14.

Co is in group 9, which means that it is a transition metal.

Cooper Adams · Answer

undefined Cu, Cd, Au, Co are transition metals. Transition metals are found in the d-block of the periodic table.