Chapter 3 Metals and Non-metals
NCERT Class 10th
Science SOLUTIONS

Differentiate between metal and non-metal on the basis of their chemical properties.
Simple difference between metals and non-metals based on their chemical properties:
- Reaction with oxygen: - Metals usually form basic or amphoteric oxides. Non-metals form acidic oxides.
- Reaction with acids:- Metals react with dilute acids to produce hydrogen gas. Non-metals usually do not react with acids.
- Reaction with water:- Some metals like sodium and potassium react with water to form hydroxides and hydrogen gas. Non-metals generally do not react with water.
- Electropositivity:- Metals tend to lose electrons and form positive ions. Non-metals tend to gain or share electrons.
- Reaction with non-metals:- Metals generally form ionic compounds with non-metals. Non-metals usually form covalent compounds with each other.
Metals and Non-metals
More Questions on Metals and Non-metals
Give reasons why copper is used to make hot water tanks and not steel (an alloy of iron).
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A man went door to door posing as a goldsmith. He promised to bring back the glitter of old and dull gold ornaments. An unsuspecting lady gave a set of gold bangles to him which he dipped in a particular solution. The bangles sparkled like new but their weight was reduced drastically. The lady was upset but after a futile argument the man beat a hasty retreat. Can you play the detective to find out the nature of the solution he had used?
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You must have seen tarnished copper vessels being cleaned with lemon or tamarind juice. Explain why these sour substances are effective in cleaning the vessels.
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Give reasons (a) Platinum, gold and silver are used to make jewellery. (b) Sodium, potassium and lithium are stored under oil. (c) Aluminium is a highly reactive metal, yet it is used to make utensils for cooking. (d) Carbonate and sulphide ores are usually converted into oxides during the process of extraction.
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In the electrolytic refining of a metal M, what would you take as the anode, the cathode and the electrolyte?
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Name two metals which will displace hydrogen from dilute acids, and two metals which will not.
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You are given a hammer, a battery, a bulb, wires and a switch. (a) How could you use them to distinguish between samples of metals and non-metals? (b) Assess the usefulness of these tests in distinguishing between metals and non-metals.
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Food cans are coated with tin and not with zinc because (a) zinc is costlier than tin. (b) zinc has a higher melting point than tin. (c) zinc is more reactive than tin. (d) zinc is less reactive than tin.
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An element reacts with oxygen to give a compound with a high melting point. This compound is also soluble in water. The element is likely to be (a) calcium (b) carbon (c) silicon (d) iron.
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Which of the following methods is suitable for preventing an iron frying pan from rusting? (a) Applying grease (b) Applying paint (c) Applying a coating of zinc (d) All of the above
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Which of the following pairs will give displacement reactions? (a) NaCl solution and copper metal (b) MgCl₂ solution and aluminium metal (c) FeSO₄ solution and silver metal (d) AgNO₃ solution and copper metal
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What would you observe when zinc is added to a solution of iron(II) sulphate? Write the chemical reaction that takes place.
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Which gas is produced when dilute hydrochloric acid is added to a reactive metal? Write the chemical reaction when iron reacts with dilute H₂SO₄.
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Write equations for the reactions of (i) iron with steam (ii) calcium and potassium with water
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Give an example of a metal which (i) is a liquid at room temperature. (ii) can be easily cut with a knife. (iii) is the best conductor of heat. (iv) is a poor conductor of heat.
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