Compounds of transition elements are frequently coloured. What colour is iron(III) hydroxide?
Iron filings are added to aqueous copper(II) sulfate, producing a redox reaction. $\text{Fe}(s) + \text{Cu}^{2+}(aq) \rightarrow \text{Cu}(s) + \text{Fe}^{2+}(aq)$ Describe the observations made during this reaction.
Use the equation to explain why oxidation occurs in this reaction.
Use the equation to explain why reduction occurs in this reaction.
Compounds that contain ions of transition elements are often used as catalysts. Name a catalyst that is a compound of a transition element and state the reaction it catalyses.
Catalysts increase the rate of reaction by offering an alternative reaction pathway with a lower activation energy. Explain why catalysts are used in industry.