The alkaline earth metals have two electrons in their outermost energy level, so they also form positive ions. Transition Metals have properties similiar to one another and to other metals, but their properties do not fit in with those of any other family. Most transition metals are excellent conductors of heat and electricity. Most have high melting points and are hard. Transition metals are much less active than the alkali and alkaline earth metals.
Many transition metals combine chemically with oxygen to form compounds called oxides.
Many transition metals have more than one oxidation number. Transition metals form compounds that are brightly colored. From Metals to Non-Metals in groups IIIA to VIA of the periodic table elements have properties which change from metallic to nonmetallic. These groups include the boron family, carbon family, nitrogen family, and oxygen family. Boron, the first element in the boron family is a metalloid.