The largest block on the table — dense, shiny, and mostly calm compared to the alkali metals. Tap an ingot to see its real colour and what makes it useful.
FeIronGrey, magnetic metal
Atomic number
26
Atomic mass
55.8
The most widely used metal on Earth, and one of only a handful of elements that's naturally magnetic. Left exposed to air and water, it slowly rusts, turning into a reddish-brown flaky coating.
Why so calm compared to alkali metals? Transition metals hold their outer electrons more tightly, so they don't lose them as easily. That's why you can leave a gold ring in water for years with nothing happening, while dropping a chunk of sodium in would set off a reaction in seconds.
1. Which transition metal is naturally magnetic?
2. Which metal is the only one that's liquid at room temperature?
3. Which metal is used to coat steel to stop it rusting?
4. Which reddish-orange metal is used in electrical wiring because it conducts electricity so well?
5. Why don't transition metals react as violently as alkali metals?