How do transition metals compare to the reactivity of the alkalia or alkaline earth metals and why?
Transition metals generally have less reactivity than alkali or alkaline earth metals. This is because transition metals have more filled electron shells which provide greater stability, making it harder for them to lose or gain electrons compared to alkali or alkaline earth metals. Transition metals typically form compounds by sharing electrons or by forming complex ions, unlike alkali or alkaline earth metals that readily form simple ionic compounds by losing electrons.