Metal and Non-Metal – Class 10 Science: make up the bulk of the elements in the periodic table. Understanding their properties, uses, occurrence, and reactions is crucial for CBSE Class 10 and foundational for further studies in chemistry and materials science.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Classification of Elements
- Physical Properties of Metals
- Chemical Properties of Metals
- Physical Properties of Non-Metals
- Chemical Properties of Non-Metals
- Differences Between Metals and Non-Metals (Table)
- Reactivity Series and Ionic Compounds
- Applications of Metals and Non-Metals
- Environmental Aspects
- Frequently Asked Questions
Introduction: Metal and Non-Metal – Class 10 Science
Elements, the building blocks of matter, are broadly categorized into metals, non-metals, and a few metalloids (elements showing intermediate properties). In Class 10, we primarily focus on metals and non-metals, their properties, and their significance in everyday life.
Classification of Elements
- Metals: Usually occupy the left and center portion of the periodic table. Examples: iron, aluminum, copper, zinc.[3][2]
- Non-Metals: Found on the right side, including halogens and noble gases. Examples: carbon, oxygen, sulfur, nitrogen.[3][1]
Physical Properties of Metals
(i) Lustre
- Metals are lustrous, meaning they have a shiny surface. This is why jewelry and decorative items are often metallic.
(ii) Malleability
- Malleability is the ability to be hammered into thin sheets. Gold and silver are extremely malleable.[4][1]
- Example: Silver foil used in sweets.
(iii) Ductility
- Ductility is the ability to be drawn into wires. Copper and aluminum are very ductile.
(iv) Conductivity
- Metals are good conductors of heat and electricity due to the presence of free electrons.[2][3]
- Example: Copper wires are used for electrical wiring.
(v) Sonority
- A sonorous substance produces a ringing sound when struck. Metals are sonorous.
(vi) State and Density
- Metals are solid at room temperature (except mercury-liquid).
- Generally, they have high density.
(vii) Melting and Boiling Points
- Metals generally have high melting and boiling points (exceptions: sodium and potassium are low).[4]
Chemical Properties of Metals
(i) Reaction with Oxygen
- Metals react with oxygen to form basic oxides.
- Example: Mg + O2 → 2MgO
(ii) Reaction with Water
- Some metals (like sodium and potassium) react violently with water, forming metal hydroxides and hydrogen gas.
- Example: 2Na + 2H2O → 2NaOH + H2
(iii) Reaction with Acids
- Metals react with acids to produce salt and hydrogen gas (exceptions: some metals like copper and silver do not react with dilute acids).
- Example: Zn + H2SO4 → ZnSO4 + H2
(iv) Formation of Ions
Physical Properties of Non-Metals
(i) Appearance
- Non-metals are non-lustrous (brittle and dull), with the exception of iodine which is shiny.[5]
(ii) State
- Non-metals may occur in all three states (solid, liquid, gas) at room temperature.[5]
- Examples: Oxygen, nitrogen (gases); bromine (liquid); sulfur, carbon (solids).
(iii) Malleability and Ductility
- Non-metals are not malleable or ductile. They are brittle if solid; they break when hammered or stretched.[6][1][5]
(iv) Conductivity
- Generally, bad conductors of heat and electricity (exceptions: graphite conducts electricity).[2]
(v) Density and Melting Point
- Non-metals typically have low density and low melting/boiling points (exceptions: diamond has a very high melting point).
Chemical Properties of Non-Metals
(i) Reaction with Oxygen
- Non-metals react with oxygen to form acidic or neutral oxides.
- Example: S + O2 → SO2
(ii) Reaction with Water
- Non-metals usually do not react with water.
(iii) Reaction with Acids
- Non-metals generally do not react with acids.
(iv) Formation of Ions
- Non-metals gain electrons and form negative ions (anions).[4]
Differences Between Metals and Non-Metals
| Property | Metals | Non-Metals |
| Lustre | Lustrous (shiny) | Non-lustrous (except iodine) |
| Malleability | Malleable (can be shaped) | Brittle, not malleable |
| Ductility | Ductile (can be drawn into wires) | Non-ductile, breaks when stretched |
| Conductivity | Good conductor of heat and electricity | Poor conductor (except graphite) |
| State at room temp | Solid (except mercury) | Solid, liquid, or gas |
| Melting/Boiling Point | High (generally) | Low (generally) |
| Reaction with oxygen | Forms basic oxides | Forms acidic/neutral oxides |
| Formation of ions | Forms positive ions (cations) | Forms negative ions (anions) |
Reactivity Series and Ionic Compounds
Reactivity Series
- Metals are placed in a sequence based on their reactivity—the reactivity series. Potassium, sodium, and calcium are highly reactive; gold, silver, and platinum are least reactive.
Formation of Ionic Compounds
- Metal atoms lose electrons to non-metals, leading to the formation of ionic (electrovalent) compounds.
- Example: NaCl (table salt) forms from Na (metal) and Cl (non-metal).
Applications of Metals and Non-Metals
Uses of Metals
- Iron and steel: Construction, machinery, transport.[2]
- Copper and aluminum: Electrical wiring, cookware.
- Gold, silver, platinum: Jewelry, electronics.
- Zinc: Galvanization, batteries.
Uses of Non-Metals
- Oxygen: Breathing, combustion.
- Chlorine: Disinfection, PVC production.
- Nitrogen: Fertilizers, preserving packaged food.
- Carbon: Fuels (coal), steel industry (coke).
Environmental and Biological Importance
- Metals and non-metals are vital for life and technology but also affect the environment through mining, pollution, and waste.[2]
Environmental Aspects
Corrosion
- Corrosion (like rusting of iron) weakens metals. Preventing this involves painting, galvanization, or alloying.
Recycling
- Metals should be recycled to conserve resources and reduce pollution.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Why is sodium kept immersed in kerosene oil?
- Answer: Sodium reacts violently with moisture/air; kerosene prevents accidents.[5]
Q2: How does copper react with water?
- Answer: Copper does not react with water under normal conditions.
Q3: Which non-metal is liquid at room temperature?
- Answer: Bromine.
Quick Facts & Lists
Metals
- Malleable, ductile, lustrous, high density, solids at room temperature.
- Mostly form basic oxides.
- Lose electrons to form cations.
Non-Metals
- Brittle, non-lustrous, low density, various states.
- Mostly form acidic or neutral oxides.
- Gain electrons to form anions.
Metalloids (semi-metals)
- Elements like silicon and germanium exhibit both metallic and non-metallic properties (semiconductors in electronics).[2]
Conclusion
Understanding the differences and similarities between metals and non-metals allows us to choose the right material for each application, predict chemical reactions, and appreciate the role of chemistry in daily life.
Further Reading & External Links
- CBSE Science Notes on Metals and Non-Metals – Detailed study notes and examples.[4]
- Metals and Non-metals Properties Explained – In-depth property discussions.[2]
- Interactive Periodic Table – Explore metals, non-metals, and metalloids by category.
Practice Table: Differences between Metals and Non-Metals
| S.No | Property | Metals | Non-Metals | Examples |
| 1 | State | Solid (except Hg) | All 3 states | Iron, Copper (Metal) Oxygen, Sulfur (Non-Metal) |
| 2 | Lustre | Shiny | Dull | Gold, Silver; Carbon |
| 3 | Malleability | Malleable | Brittle | Aluminum; Phosphorus |
| 4 | Ductility | Ductile | Non-ductile | Copper; Bromine |
| 5 | Conductivity | Good | Poor | Silver; Iodine |
| 6 | Melting Point | High | Low | Iron; Hydrogen |
| 7 | Oxide Nature | Basic | Acidic/Neutral | MgO; SO₂ |
Summary Points
- Metals: Shiny, malleable, ductile, good conductors, typically form basic oxides, solids at room temperature (except mercury), form cations.
- Non-Metals: Brittle, dull, poor conductors, may be solid/liquid/gas, form acidic or neutral oxides, form anions.
- Metalloids: Properties in between metals and non-metals (e.g., silicon, germanium).
For detailed explanations, online quizzes, and exam resources, explore educational resources such as Byju’s, Vedantu, and LearnCBSE.[3][4][2]
This article is designed for CBSE Class 10 students to provide clear, comprehensive guidance on metals and non-metals, with tables and lists to support learning and revision.
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- https://allen.in/cbse-notes/class-10-science-notes-chapter-3-metals-and-non-metals
- https://www.vedantu.com/chemistry/properties-of-metals-and-nonmetals
- https://byjus.com/chemistry/metals-and-nonmetals/
- https://www.learncbse.in/metals-and-non-metals-class-10-notes/
- https://byjus.com/cbse-notes/cbse-class-10-science-notes-chapter-3-metals-and-non-metals/
- https://www.teachoo.com/15828/3503/What-are-Metals-and-Non-Metals-/category/Concepts/
