Chapter 3 Metals and Non-metals

NCERT Class 10th

Science SOLUTIONS

Subject
Question

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.

Updated on May 31, 2025 | By Learnzy Admin | 👁️ Views: 109 students

Solution
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(a) Why are platinum, gold, and silver used to make jewellery?

Because they are lustrous, shiny, and do not react easily with air or water. So, they do not rust or tarnish and keep their shine for a long time.

(b) Why are sodium, potassium, and lithium stored under oil?

Because these metals react very quickly with air and water, sometimes catching fire. Storing them under oil stops them from coming in contact with air and moisture.

(c) Why is aluminium, a highly reactive metal, used to make cooking utensils?

Because aluminium forms a thin, tough layer of oxide on its surface which protects it from further reaction. This makes it safe and durable for cooking.

(d) Why are carbonate and sulphide ores usually converted into oxides during extraction?

Because oxides are easier to reduce to the metal in the extraction process, usually by heating with carbon or carbon monoxide.

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More Questions on Metals and Non-metals

Question 1

Give reasons why copper is used to make hot water tanks and not steel (an alloy of iron).


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Question 2

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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Question 3

Differentiate between metal and non-metal on the basis of their chemical properties.


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Question 4

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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Question 5

What type of oxides are formed when non-metals combine with oxygen?


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Question 6

State two ways to prevent the rusting of iron.


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Question 7

In the electrolytic refining of a metal M, what would you take as the anode, the cathode and the electrolyte?


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Question 8

Name two metals which will displace hydrogen from dilute acids, and two metals which will not.


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Question 9

What are amphoteric oxides? Give two examples of amphoteric oxides.


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Question 10

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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Question 11

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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Question 12

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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Question 13

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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Question 14

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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Question 15

What are alloys?


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Question 16

Which metals do not corrode easily?


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Question 17

What chemical process is used for obtaining a metal from its oxide?


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Question 18

Name two metals which are found in nature in the free state.


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Question 19

Define the following terms. (i) Mineral (ii) Ore (iii) Gangue


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Question 20

Why do ionic compounds have high melting points?


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Question 21

Show the formation of Na₂O and MgO by the transfer of electrons.


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Question 22

Write the electron-dot structures for sodium, oxygen and magnesium.


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Question 23

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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Question 24

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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Question 25

Write equations for the reactions of (i) iron with steam (ii) calcium and potassium with water


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Question 26

Why is sodium kept immersed in kerosene oil?


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Question 27

Explain the meanings of malleable and ductile


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Question 28

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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