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Metal and Non Metal

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Metal and Non Metal: Complete Guide for Class 10 Students (2025)

Meta Description: Comprehensive guide on metal and non metal for Class 10. Learn difference between metal and non metal, their properties, examples, and important question answers with notes.

Focus Keyword: metal and non metal
Article Length: 2500+ words
Reading Time: 12 minutes

Table of Contents

  1. What is Metal and Non Metal?
  2. Difference Between Metal and Non Metal
  3. Metal and Non Metal in Periodic Table
  4. Properties and Examples
  5. Class 10 Metal and Non Metal Question Answer
  6. Metal and Non Metal Notes Class 10

What is Metal and Non Metal?

Metal and non metal are two fundamental categories of elements that form the backbone of chemistry. Understanding the difference between metal and non metal is crucial for Class 10 students as it appears frequently in board examinations.

Define Metal and Non Metal

Metals are elements that have the tendency to lose electrons and form positive ions (cations). They are characterized by their shiny appearance, ability to conduct heat and electricity, and malleability.

Non-metals are elements that have the tendency to gain electrons and form negative ions (anions). They typically lack the characteristic properties of metals and are often poor conductors of heat and electricity.

Difference Between Metal and Non Metal

The metal and non metal difference can be understood through various physical and chemical properties:

Physical Properties Comparison

Property Metal Non Metal
Appearance Shiny, lustrous surface Dull appearance (except iodine, graphite)
State at Room Temperature Mostly solid (except mercury) Solid, liquid, or gas
Malleability Can be beaten into thin sheets Brittle, break easily
Ductility Can be drawn into wires Cannot be drawn into wires
Conductivity Good conductors of heat and electricity Poor conductors (except graphite)
Density Generally high density Generally low density
Melting Point Usually high Usually low
Sound Produce ringing sound (sonorous) Do not produce sound

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Chemical Properties: Different Between Metal and Non Metal

How Metals React:

  • With Oxygen: Form basic oxides
  • 4Al + 3O₂ → 2Al₂O₃ (Aluminum oxide)
    2Mg + O₂ → 2MgO (Magnesium oxide)
  • With Water: Highly reactive metals react vigorously
  • 2Na + 2H₂O → 2NaOH + H₂↑
  • With Acids: Produce hydrogen gas
  • Zn + H₂SO₄ → ZnSO₄ + H₂↑

How Non-Metals React:

  • With Oxygen: Form acidic oxides
  • C + O₂ → CO₂ (Carbon dioxide)
    S + O₂ → SO₂ (Sulfur dioxide)
  • With Hydrogen: Form covalent compounds
  • H₂ + Cl₂ → 2HCl

Metal and Non Metal in Periodic Table

Understanding the position of metal and non metal in periodic table is essential for Class 10 students:

Distribution in Periodic Table

  • Metals: Found on the left side and center of the periodic table
  • Non-metals: Located on the right side of the periodic table
  • Metalloids: Found along the diagonal line separating metals and non-metals

Groups and Their Nature

Group Elements Nature
Group 1 (Alkali Metals) Li, Na, K, Rb, Cs, Fr Highly reactive metals
Group 2 (Alkaline Earth) Be, Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba, Ra Reactive metals
Group 17 (Halogens) F, Cl, Br, I, At Highly reactive non-metals
Group 18 (Noble Gases) He, Ne, Ar, Kr, Xe, Rn Inert non-metals

Examples of Metal and Non Metal

Common Metals Examples:

  1. Iron (Fe) – Used in construction and tools
  2. Copper (Cu) – Electrical wires and plumbing
  3. Aluminum (Al) – Aircraft parts and kitchen utensils
  4. Gold (Au) – Jewelry and electronics
  5. Silver (Ag) – Jewelry and photography
  6. Zinc (Zn) – Galvanization and batteries

Common Non-Metals Examples:

  1. Oxygen (O₂) – Essential for respiration
  2. Carbon (C) – Forms organic compounds
  3. Nitrogen (N₂) – Used in fertilizers
  4. Chlorine (Cl₂) – Water purification
  5. Sulfur (S) – Used in medicines
  6. Phosphorus (P) – Matches and fertilizers

Class 10 Metal and Non Metal Question Answer

Here are important metal and non metal question answer for Class 10 board preparation:

Q1: What is the difference between metal and non metal?

Answer: The main differences are:

  • Physical: Metals are shiny, malleable, and ductile; non-metals are dull and brittle
  • Chemical: Metals lose electrons, non-metals gain electrons
  • Conductivity: Metals conduct electricity, non-metals don’t (except graphite)

Q2: Name five metals and five non-metals.

Answer:

  • Metals: Iron, Copper, Aluminum, Gold, Silver
  • Non-metals: Oxygen, Carbon, Nitrogen, Chlorine, Sulfur

Q3: Why are metals good conductors of electricity?

Answer: Metals have free electrons that can move easily through the metal structure, allowing electric current to flow.

Q4: Which non-metal is a good conductor of electricity?

Answer: Graphite (a form of carbon) is the only non-metal that conducts electricity due to its unique structure with free electrons.

Q5: What happens when metals react with oxygen?

Answer: Metals react with oxygen to form metal oxides, which are basic in nature.

2Mg + O₂ → 2MgO

Metal and Non Metal Notes Class 10

Important Points for Exam Preparation

Metal and Non Metal Class 10 Key Concepts:

  1. Activity Series of Metals:
  • K > Na > Ca > Mg > Al > Zn > Fe > Pb > H > Cu > Hg > Ag > Au
  1. Extraction of Metals:
  • Highly reactive metals: Electrolysis (K, Na, Ca, Mg, Al)
  • Moderately reactive metals: Carbon reduction (Zn, Fe, Pb)
  • Less reactive metals: Heat alone (Cu, Hg)
  1. Corrosion and Its Prevention:
  • Rusting: 4Fe + 3O₂ + 6H₂O → 2Fe₂O₃.3H₂O
  • Prevention: Painting, galvanization, alloying
  1. Important Alloys:
  • Steel: Iron + Carbon
  • Brass: Copper + Zinc
  • Bronze: Copper + Tin

Memory Techniques for Metal and Non Metal

Acronym for Activity Series:

“Please Send Charlie’s Monkeys And Zebras In London Having Cold Morning And Gold” = K, Na, Ca, Mg, Al, Zn, Fe, Pb, H, Cu, Hg, Ag, Au

Properties of Metals (MALDOCS):

  • Malleable
  • Appearance (lustrous)
  • Loud (sonorous)
  • Ductile
  • Oxygen reactive
  • Conductive
  • Solid (mostly)

Advanced Concepts: Metal and Non Metal Difference

Bonding Characteristics

Metallic Bonding in Metals:

  • Electrons are delocalized
  • Forms “sea of electrons”
  • Explains conductivity and malleability

Covalent/Ionic Bonding in Non-metals:

  • Electrons are localized
  • Share or transfer electrons
  • Explains poor conductivity

Industrial Applications

Metals in Industry:

  1. Construction: Iron and steel for buildings
  2. Electronics: Copper for wiring, gold for circuits
  3. Transportation: Aluminum for aircraft
  4. Medical: Titanium for implants

Non-metals in Industry:

  1. Plastics: Carbon-based polymers
  2. Fertilizers: Nitrogen and phosphorus compounds
  3. Disinfectants: Chlorine compounds
  4. Semiconductors: Silicon and germanium

Environmental Impact: Metal and Non Metal

Metal Extraction and Environment

  • Mining effects: Soil erosion, water pollution
  • Energy consumption: High energy for extraction
  • Solutions: Recycling, sustainable mining

Non-metal Usage and Environment

  • Carbon compounds: Climate change concerns
  • Chlorine usage: Ozone depletion potential
  • Solutions: Green chemistry, alternative materials

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is metal and non metal in simple terms?

Metal and non metal are two categories of elements. Metals are shiny, conduct electricity, and can be shaped. Non-metals are usually dull, don’t conduct electricity, and break easily.

2. How many metals and non-metals are there?

There are about 78 metals and 17 non-metals in the periodic table, with the rest being metalloids.

3. Can you give 10 examples each of metals and non-metals?

Metals: Iron, Copper, Aluminum, Gold, Silver, Zinc, Lead, Tin, Nickel, Magnesium Non-metals: Oxygen, Carbon, Nitrogen, Chlorine, Sulfur, Phosphorus, Fluorine, Bromine, Iodine, Helium

4. What are the uses of metals and non-metals in daily life?

Metals: Kitchen utensils, electrical wires, construction materials, jewelry Non-metals: Breathing (oxygen), fuel (carbon), food preservation (nitrogen), water purification (chlorine)

Conclusion

Understanding metal and non metal is fundamental for Class 10 chemistry success. The difference between metal and non metal lies in their physical properties, chemical behavior, and electron arrangements. Remember that metals tend to lose electrons while non-metals tend to gain them.

For effective exam preparation, focus on:

  • Properties comparison tables
  • Chemical equations and reactions
  • Activity series and extraction methods
  • Real-life applications and examples

This comprehensive guide covers all aspects of metal and non metal class 10 syllabus and provides the foundation for advanced chemistry concepts.

Related Topics:

  • Acids, Bases and Salts
  • Periodic Classification of Elements
  • Chemical Reactions and Equations
  • Carbon and Its Compounds

Study Tips:

  1. Create comparison charts for easy revision
  2. Practice writing chemical equations daily
  3. Remember the activity series using mnemonics
  4. Connect theory with real-life examples