What is the Difference Between Transition Metals and Metalloids?
🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚Transition metals and metalloids are two distinct groups of elements in the periodic table. The main differences between them are:
- Electronic Structure: Transition metals are chemical elements having atoms with unpaired d electrons, whereas metalloids have atoms with more localized electrons.
- Conductivity: Transition metals are good conductors of heat and electricity, while metalloids have intermediate conductivity, often acting as semiconductors.
- Hardness and Brittleness: Transition metals are typically hard and malleable, whereas metalloids are more brittle and have intermediate mechanical properties.
- Chemical Properties: Transition metals are known for their ability to form multiple oxidation states and coordinate compounds, while the chemical properties of metalloids can be more variable, sometimes resembling those of nonmetals.
Examples of transition metals include copper, zinc, and iron, while examples of metalloids include boron, silicon, germanium, arsenic, antimony, tellurium, and polonium.
On this pageWhat is the Difference Between Transition Metals and Metalloids? Comparative Table: Transition Metals vs Metalloids
Comparative Table: Transition Metals vs Metalloids
Here is a table comparing the differences between transition metals and metalloids:
Property | Transition Metals | Metalloids |
---|---|---|
Definition | Transition metals are chemical elements with atoms having unpaired d electrons. | Metalloids are elements with properties intermediate between metals and nonmetals. |
Electronic Configuration | At least one unpaired d electron in their stable cations. | No specific electronic configuration criteria; may have unpaired or paired electrons. |
Oxidation States | Can have multiple oxidation states due to d-d electronic transitions, resulting in various colors. | May have varying oxidation states, but not as diverse as transition metals. |
Conductivity | Generally good conductors of heat and electricity. | Can conduct electricity under certain circumstances, but not as effectively as transition metals. |
Physical State | Mostly solids at room temperature, with a characteristic silvery shine (except for mercury). | Can be solids, liquids, or gases at room temperature, depending on the element. |
Luster | Usually have a silvery shine. | Can be lustrous or non-lustrous, depending on the element. |
Ionization Energy | Generally lower ionization energies compared to nonmetals. | Intermediate ionization energies between metals and nonmetals. |
Electronegativity | Not a specific range, as it varies depending on the element. | Electronegativity values close to 2.0. |
In summary, transition metals are characterized by their unpaired d electrons, multiple oxidation states, and good conductivity, while metalloids have intermediate properties between metals and nonmetals, with variable oxidation states and conductivity.
Read more:
- Transition Metals vs Metals
- Metals vs Metalloids
- Transition Metals vs Inner Transition Metals
- Group 1 Metals vs Transition Metals
- Metals vs Nonmetals
- Metals vs Non-metals
- Minerals vs Metals
- Representative vs Transition Elements
- D Block Elements vs Transition Elements
- Metal vs Heavy Metal
- Metal vs Alloy
- Semiconductor vs Metal
- Ferrous Metals vs Non Ferrous Metals
- Alkali Metals vs Alkaline Earth Metals
- Metal vs Steel
- Heavy Metals vs Trace Elements
- Polymers vs Metals
- Metal vs Nonmetal Oxides
- Ionic Bonding vs Metallic Bonding