Question

Assign reason for each of the following:

The transition elements form interstitial compounds.

Answer 1

1. Transition metals have closely packed crystal lattices with vacant spaces (interstices).
2. Small atoms like hydrogen, carbon, nitrogen, and boron can fit into these interstices without changing the metal’s overall structure.
3. These small atoms get trapped inside the metal lattice, forming interstitial compounds.
4. The ability to accommodate these atoms is due to the small size and the strong metallic bonding of transition metals.
5. This gives the interstitial compounds properties like increased hardness and high melting points compared to pure metals.