Some Applications of the Transition Elements

The particular properties of the transition elements are exploited in a remarkable variety of applications. Some metals are used in very large quantities, particularly iron in structural materials, while others are used in only small quantities for specialized applications such as the synthesis of fine chemicals. 

As well as having electrical conductivity, the transition elements can be used in the production of electrical energy through their chemical reactivity. Perhaps the most immediately familiar example is the dry cell battery. Any of a number of chemical reactions may be exploited in this context. As a consequence, manganese, nickel, zinc, silver, cadmium or mercury may be found in dry cells. 

Q Write chemical equations for the reactions utilized by (i) zinc chloride and (ii) alkaline manganese non-rechargable dry cell batteries. 

A An answer to this question may be found by consulting the Kirk-Otlinicr Encyclopaedia of Chemical Technology. 

4Zn + SMnO, + ZnCl, + 8MnOOH + ZnCl2.4ZnO.5H2O 

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