Class-10

CHEMISTRY
CHAPTER3
Metals and Non-Metals

1-Mark CBSE Questions

Q1. Why are the heating elements of electric toasters and electric irons made of an alloy rather than a
pure metal? [CBSE 2019 (R) Set-1]
Sample ResponseThis is because at high temperature, the alloys do not oxidise. Alloys does not melt readily
and get deformed easily.

2-Mark CBSE Questions

Q2. Give reasons: [CBSE 2019 (R) Set-1]

(a) Platinum, gold and silver are used to make jewellery.
(b) Metals like sodium and potassium are stored under oil.
Sample Response (a) These metals (Platinum, gold and silver) are unreactive and do not react with oxygen
and other gases present in air and with moisture. Hence, their shine is maintained with time. That is why these
metals are used to make jewellery.
(b) Metals like sodium and potassium react so violently with oxygen that they catches fire immediately. Also
they cannot be stored under water because there is a brisk reaction. Hence they are stored under oil.
Or
Silver articles become black when kept in open for some time, whereas copper vessels lose their shiny
brown surfaces and gain a green coat when kept in open. Name the substance present in air with these
metals react and write the name of the products formed.
Sample Response This is because silver reacts with sulphur compounds such as hydrogen sulphide present in
air to form silver sulphide Ag2S whereas copper reacts slowly with CO2 and water present in air to form green
coating of mixture of copper compound and copper hydroxide.

Q3. Given reason: [CBSE 2019 (R) Set-2]

(a) Carbonate and sulphide ores are usually converted into oxides during the process of extraction.
(b) Aluminium is a highly reactive metal; still it is widely used in making cooking utensils.
Sample Response (a) It is because oxides can be reduced easily as compared to carbonates and sulphides of
metal. Hence metal can be extracted from oxides then from its carbonates or sulphates.
(b) This is because aluminium is a good conductor of heat and it form a layer of aluminium oxide at high
temperature after which it resists corrosion and does not react with food.

Q4. Show the formation of magnesium oxide by the transfer of electrons. [CBSE 2019 (R) Set-2]
Sample Response Atomic no. of Na = 11
Electronic configuration of Na = 2, 8, 1
Atomic no. of O = 8
Electronic configuration of O = 2, 6
Here, oxygen requires two electrons to gain stable. Hence formation of Na 2O takes place as follow:

Similarly, formation of MgO takes place as follow:

Q5. Name a metal of medium reactivity and write three main steps in the extraction of this metal from its
sulphide ore. [CBSE 2019 (R) Set-3]
Sample Response Zinc is a metal of medium reactivity. Steps involved in the extraction of zinc from its
sulphide ore are:
1. First of all Zinc sulphide is converted into zinc oxide by the process of roasting.
2. Zinc oxide is then converted into zinc by process of reduction by using a metal of higher reactivity than zinc
or by using reducing agents.
3. The metal so obtained is then refined by electro-refining.

Q6. Show the formation of Na2O by the transfer of electrons. [CBSE 2019 (R) Set-3]
Sample Response Sample Response Atomic no. of Na = 11
Electronic configuration of Na = 2, 8, 1
Atomic no. of O = 8
Electronic configuration of O = 2, 6
Here, oxygen requires two electrons to gain stable. Hence formation of Na 2O takes place as follow:

Similarly, formation of MgO takes place as follow:

Q7. A student added few pieces of aluminium metal to two test tubes A and B containing aqueous
solutions of iron sulphate and copper sulphate. In the second part of her experiment, she added iron
metal to another test tubes C and D containing aqueous solutions of aluminium sulphate and copper
sulphate.
In which test tube or test tubes will she observe colour change? On the basis of this experiment, state
which one is the most reactive metal and why. [CBSE 2018 (R) Set-1]
Sample Response When aluminium metal is added to the test tubes A and B containing iron sulphate and
copper sulphate, reaction will occur and as the aluminium is very reactive metal so it react with the iron and
copper so the colour of the solution will change in both test tubes A and B.
But when iron metal is added to the solutions of aluminium sulphate and copper sulphate in test tubes C and D
respectively, then no reaction will take place in the test tube C but in the test tube D copper will be replaced by
aluminium.
So, the colour change will occur in A, B and D test tube. After the experiment we come to conclusion that
aluminium is the most reactive metal out of given as it replaces both iron and copper from their salt solutions.

3-Mark CBSE Questions

Q8. What are amphoteric oxides? Give an example. Write balanced chemical equations to justify your
answer. [CBSE 2019 (R) Set-1, 2]
Sample Response Those metallic oxides which show both acidic as well as basic behaviour are called
amphoteric oxides. Such metal oxides react both with acids and bases.
For Example: Aluminium oxide (Al2O3), Zinc oxide (ZnO).

Q9. How is the method of extraction of metals high up in the reactivity series different from that for
metals in the middle? Why can the same process not be applied for them? Name the process used for the
extraction of these metals. [CBSE 2019 (R) Set-1]
Sample Response The metals in the middle of reactivity series are usually present as sulphides or carbonates
in nature. The sulphide ores are converted into oxides by heating strongly in the presence of excess air known as
roasting.
2ZnS  s   3O2  g  Heat 2ZnO  s   2SO2  g 
The carbonate ores are changed into oxides by heating strongly in the limited supply of air known as
calcinations.
ZnCO3  s  Heat ZnO  s   CO2  g 
The metal oxide obtained is then reduced to metal by using suitable reducing agents such as carbon or highly
reactive metals such as sodium, calcium and aluminium etc.
ZnO  s   C  s  Heat Zn  s   CO  g 
The metals high up in the reactivity series are obtained by electrolytic reduction. They cannot be obtained by
heating with carbon because these metals have more affinity for oxygen than carbon.
Electrolytic reduction: Sodium, calcium and magnesium are obtained by the electrolysis of their metal chlorides.
The metals are deposited at the cathode and chlorine gas is liberated at the anode.
 
At cathode: Na  e  Na
  
At anode: 2Cl  Cl2  2e

Q10. An ore on treatment with dilute hydrochloric acid produces brisk effervescence. Name the type of
ore with one example. What steps will be required to obtain metal from the enriched ore? Also write the
chemical equations for the reactions involved in the process. [CBSE 2019 (R) Set-1]
Sample Response A metal carbonate reacts with dilute hydrochloric acid to form carbon dioxide. Therefore,
this ore is a carbonate ore. Carbonate ore is converted into free metal in the following two steps:
(a) Calcination: The carbonate ore is strongly heated in the absence of air to get the metal oxide.
Metal carbonate Calcination Metal oxide + carbon dioxide
(b) Reduction: The metal oxide is reduced with carbon to get free metal.
Metal oxide +Carbon Reduction Metal + carbon monoxide
Coke 
Q11. Out of three metals P, Q and R, P is less reactive than Q and R is more reactive than P and Q both.
Suggest an activity to arrange P, Q and R in order of their decreasing reactivity. [CBSE 2019 (R) Set-2]
Sample Response(i)Take salt solutions of P, Q and R in three separate test tubes.
(ii) Now, put a piece of metal R in test tubes containing salt solutions of P and Q.
(iii) Repeat the above process for metals Q and P.
You will observe that when metal R is placed in salt solutions of P and Q, displacement reaction takes place in
both the test tubes. It means R is most reactive metal. When metal Q is placed in test tubes containing salt
solutions P and R, displacement reaction takes place only in test tube containing salt solution of P. It means Q is
more reactive than P but less reactive than R.
When metal P and Q is placed in test tubes containing salt solutions Q and R, no reaction occurs in test tubes. It
means P is the least reactive metal. So the decreasing order of reactivity is R˃Q˃P.

Q12. Name the ore of mercury. With the help of balanced chemical equations, explain the process of
extraction of mercury from its ore. [CBSE 2019 (R) Set-2]
Sample Response The ore of mercury is cinnabar. Its formula is HgS and is called mercury sulphide.
Mercury is obtained through the following extraction process:
Step1: In this step, mercury sulphide is converted into mercury oxide by the process of roasting.
2HgS  s   3O2  g  Heat 2HgO  s   2SO2  g 
Step2: In this step mercury oxide heated strongly at 300 degree celcius temperature. Mercury oxide decomposes
at this temperature and pure mercury metal is obtained.
2HgO  s  Heat 2Hg  l   O2  g 

Q13. Explain the following: [CBSE 2019 (R) Set-3]

(a) Sodium chloride is an ionic compound which does not conduct electricity in solid state where as it does
conduct electricity in molten state as well as in aqueous solution.
(b) Reactivity of aluminium decrease if it dipped in nitric acid.
(c) Metals like calcium and magnesium are never found in their free state in nature.
Sample Response(a)In the solid NaCl, the movement of ions is not possible due to its rigid structure but in
aqueous solution or molten state, the ions can move freely. These free ions are responsible for conduction of
electricity.
(b) This is because of the formation of a layer of oxide, i.e. Al2O3 it becomes less reactive.
(c) Ca and Mg are highly reactive and thus never found in their free state in nature.

Q14. During the reaction of some metals with dilute hydrochloric acid, the following observations were
made by a student. [CBSE 2019 (R) Set-3]
(a) Silver does not show any change.
(b) Some bubbles of a gas are seen when lead is reacted with the acid.
(c) The reaction of sodium is found to be highly explosive.
(d) The temperature of the reaction mixture rises when aluminium is added to the acid.
Explain these observations giving appropriate reason.
Sample Response(a)This is because silver metal is less reactive than hydrogen and hence cannot displace
hydrogen from acid.
(b) When lead is reacted with dilute HCl, bubbles of hydrogen gas are evolved.
Pb  2HCl  PbCl2  H  2 .....(1)
( Bubbles of Hydrogen gas )
(c) Reaction of sodium metal is found to be highly explosive because it is an exothermic reaction.
(d) The reaction of aluminium with dilute HCl is an exothermic reaction and hence the temperature of the
reaction mixture rises.

Q15. Given below are the steps for the extraction of copper from its ore. Write the chemical equation of
the reactions involved in each case. [CBSE 2019 (R) Set-3]
(i) Roasting of copper (I) sulphide.
(ii) Reduction of copper (I) oxide from copper (I) sulphide.
(iii) Electrolytic refining.
Sample Response (a) Roasting of sulphide ore:
2Cu2 S  3O2  g   2Cu2O  g   2SO2  g  .
(b) Reduction of copper (I) oxide with copper (I) sulphide:
2Cu2O  Cu2 S  6Cu  s   SO2  g 
(c) Reaction for electrolytic refining:
At anode: Cu  aq   2e  Cu  s 
2

At cathode: Cu  s   Cu  aq   2e
2 

Q16. An ore on treatment with dil. HCl gives the smell of rotten egg. Name the type of this ore. How can
the metal be obtained from its concentrated ore? [CBSE 2019 (R) Set-2]
Sample ResponseThe smell of rotten egg is given by sulphide ores only because the sulphur has the
characteristic smell of rotten egg.
The sulphide ores are concentrated by froth floatation method. The metals are obtained from the concentrated
ores by using pyrometallurgy or smelting at high temperature.

Q17. A metal X, which is used in thermit process, when heated with oxygen gives an oxide Y which is
amphoteric in nature. Identify X and Y. Write balanced chemical equations of the reactions of oxide Y
with hydrochloric acid and sodium hydroxide. [CBSE 2019 (R) Set-3]
Sample Response The metal used in the thermit process is aluminium. When aluminium is heated in oxygen
it forms aluminium oxide which is amphoteric in nature.
Hence ‘X’ is ‘Al’ and ‘Y’ is ‘Al2O3’.
Following reactions takes place when Al2O3 is treated with hydrochloric acid and sodium hydroxide.
Al2 O 3  6HCl  2 AlCl3  3H 2 O
In this reaction, Al2O3 behaves as a basic oxide because it reacts with an acid to form salt and water.
Al2 O3  2 NaOH  2 NaAlO2  H 2 O
In this reaction, Al2O3 behaves as an acidic oxide because it reacts with a base to form salt and water.

5-Mark CBSE Questions

Direction: Section–C: Questions are of long answer type carrying 5 marks each. Answer to these
questions should not exceed 80 to 90 words.

Q18. Two ores X and Y were taken. On heating these ores it was observed that
(a) ore X gives CO2 gas, and
(b) ore Y gives SO2 gas.
Write steps to convert these ores into metals, giving chemical equations of the reactions that
take place. [CBSE 2020 (R) Set-1]
Sample Response Since ore X gives CO2 and ore Y gives SO2, so ore X is a carbonate ore and ore Y is a
sulphide ore.
The metals in the middle of reactivity series are usually present as sulphides or carbonates in nature. The
sulphide ores are converted into oxides by heating strongly in the presence of excess air known as roasting.
2ZnS  s   3O2  g  Heat 2ZnO  s   2SO2  g 
The carbonate ores are changed into oxides by heating strongly in the limited supply of air known as
calcinations.
ZnCO3  s  Heat ZnO  s   CO2  g 
The metal oxide obtained is then reduced to metal by using suitable reducing agents such as carbon or highly
reactive metals such as sodium, calcium and aluminium etc.
ZnO  s   C  s  Heat Zn  s   CO  g 
The metals high up in the reactivity series are obtained by electrolytic reduction. They cannot be obtained by
heating with carbon because these metals have more affinity for oxygen than carbon.
Electrolytic reduction: Sodium, calcium and magnesium are obtained by the electrolysis of their metal chlorides.
The metals are deposited at the cathode and chlorine gas is liberated at the anode.
 
At cathode: Na  e  Na
 
At anode: 2Cl  Cl2  2e
Or
(a) With the help of a diagram explain the method of refining of copper by electrolysis.
(b) How are broken railway tracks joined? Give the name of the process and the chemical
equation of the reaction involved. [CBSE 2020 (R) Set-1]
Sample Response (a) Electrolytic refining is the process of refining metals by electrolysis.
The procedure for purification of copper by electrolytic refining is:
(i) The apparatus consist of electrolytic tank containing acidified copper sulphate solution as electrolyte.
(ii) A thick block of impure copper metal is made anode.
(iii) A thin strip of pure copper metal is made as cathode.
Include figure of electrolytic refining of copper from NCERT textbook here. [AQ]
On passing electricity, impure copper from the anode dissolves and goes into CuSO 4 solution and pure copper
from the copper sulphate solution deposits on the cathode.
Thus pure metal is produced at cathode. The soluble impurities goes into the solution whereas insoluble
impurities settles down at anode as anode mud.
2 
(a) At cathode: Cu  2e  cu
At Anode: Cu  2e  Cu 2
(b) The broken railway tracks are joined by displacement reaction between iron oxide and aluminium. The
molten iron formed as a result of the reaction between these two fills the space between railway tracks and joins
them. The reaction is called thermit reaction.
Fe2 O3  s  2 Al  s   2Fe  l   Al2 O3  s   Heat
Iron  III oxide Aluminium Iron Aluminium oxide

Q19. (a) What is an amalgam?

(b) What is galvanisation? State its significance.
(c) In the electrolytic refining of copper, name the anode and cathode used and the electrolyte
taken in the cell. [CBSE 2020 (R) Set-3]
Sample Response (a) An amalgam is an alloy of mercury with another metal. It may be a liquid, a soft paste
or a solid depending upon the proportion of mercury.
(b) Galvanisation is the process of applying a protective layer of zinc coating to steel or iron in order to prevent
premature corrosion. The purpose of galvanising is to prevent rusting.
(c) A thick block of impure copper metal is made anode and a thin strip of pure copper metal is made as
cathode. Acidified copper sulphate is used as an electrolyte in this process.
Or
(a) Explain the formation of ionic compound, Al2O3 with electron-dot structure:
(Given: Atomic no. of Al and O are 13 and 8 respectively)
(b)What happens when (Report only observations)
(i) a reactive metal reacts with a dilute mineral acid?
(ii) an amphoteric oxide reacts with sodium hydroxide solution?
(iii) a metal of low reactivity is dropped in the salt solution of a metal of high reactivity?
(iv) a metal carbonate is treated with acid? [CBSE 2020 (R) Set-3]
Sample Response (a) The atomic number of aluminium is 13 and it has 3 electrons in its valence shell and its
electronic configuration is 2, 8, 3.
The atomic number of oxygen is 8 and it has 6 electrons in its valence shell and its electronic configuration is 2,
6.
Aluminium has a tendency to lose 3 electrons and oxygen has a tendency to gain 2 electrons. Since aluminium
can lose 3 electrons and oxygen needs 2 electrons to complete its octet in the valence shell, two atoms of
aluminium combine with 3 atoms of oxygen. By losing 3 electrons aluminium is changed into Al3+ ions and by
gaining electrons lost by two aluminium atoms, oxygen atoms are changed into O2- oxide anions. In this process
both the atoms aluminium and oxygen, obtain stable electronic configuration of noble gas neon.
Al  Al 3  3e 
2,8,3

O  2e   O 2 
2,6 2,8

2 Al 3  3O 2  Al2O3

The oppositely charged aluminium ion and oxide ion are now held together by electrostatic forces of attraction
or by ionic covalent bond. Al2O3 is, therefore, an ionic or electrovalent compound.
Diagram is provided separately.
(b) (i) When a reactive metal reacts with dilute mineral acid, then hydrogen gas is released.
(ii) Al O  s   NaOH  aq   2NaAlO3  aq   H 2O
2 3
Amphoteric oxide Sodium hydroxide Sodium aluminate (Salt)
 Base 
When an amphoteric oxide reacts with sodium hydroxide, then it reacts with base to form corresponding salt and
water.

(iii) If a metal of low reactivity is dropped in salt solution of a higher reactivity metal no chemical reaction will
take place.
(iv) When a metal carbonate is treated with an acid then, it forms corresponding salt, CO 2 and water.

Q20. (a) List in tabular form three chemical properties on the basis of which we can differentiate between
a metal and a non-metal. [CBSE 2019 (R) Set-1]
(b) Give reasons for the following:
(i) Most metals conduct electricity well.
(ii) The reaction of iron (III) oxide [Fe2O3] with heated aluminium is used to join cracked machine parts.
Sample Response (a) Following are the difference in chemical properties of metals and non-metals:

Metals Non metals

(i) Metals form basic oxide on reaction with (i) Non-metals form acidic oxides on reaction
oxygen with oxygen
(ii) Metals displaces hydrogen from water. (ii) Non-metals do not displace hydrogen from
water.
(iii) Metals displaces hydrogen from dilute (iii) Non-metals DO NOT displace hydrogen from
acids. dilute acids.
(iv) Metals from non-volatile chlorides on (iv) Non-metals forms volatile chlorides on
reaction with chlorine. These chlorides are reaction with chlorine. These chlorides are
ionic in nature. covalent in nature.

(b) (i) Metals conduct electricity because the electrons inside the metal are relatively free to move. So when
electricity is passed through metals, electrons carry electricity and spread it all over the metal.
(ii) When iron (III) Oxide Fe2O3 is heated with aluminium, then a displacement reaction takes place and a lot of
heat is generated in the reaction. The heat given out in the reaction melts the iron formed. The molten iron runs
down between the tracks and welds them together. The reaction is as follows:
Fe2 O3  s  2 Al  s   2 Fe  l  Al2 O3  s   Heat
Iron ( III ) oxide Aluninium Iron Aluninium oxide
Q21. (a) Write chemical equations for the following reactions: [CBSE 2019 (R) Set-2]
(i) Calcium metal reacts with water.
(ii) Cinnabar is heated in the presence of air
(iii) Manganese dioxide is heated with aluminium powder.
(b) What are alloys? List two properties of alloys.
Sample Response (a) (i) Calcium metal reacts with water to produce calcium hydroxide and hydrogen gas.
Ca  2H 2O  Ca  OH 2  H 2
(ii) When cinnabar is heated in presence of air, it is converted into mercury (II) Oxide.
HgS  3O2  2HgO
 Cinnabar  Air Mercury (II) Oxide
(iii) When manganese dioxide is heated with aluminium powder, displacement reaction takes place.
3MnO2  4 Al  3Mn  2 Al2O3
(b) The homogeneous mixture of two or more metals is called alloy.
Properties of alloys are:
1. Alloys are stronger than the metal from which they are made.
2. Alloys are more resistant to corrosion.

Q22. (a) What is a reactivity series of metals? How does the reactivity series of metals help in predicting
the relative activities of various metals?
(b) A zinc plate was kept in a beaker having copper sulphate solution. After five days it was found that
blue colour of the solution disappears and there are number of holes in the zinc plate. State the reason for
this observation and give chemical equation for the reaction involved. [CBSE 2019 (B) Set-4]
Sample Response (a) The reactivity series of metals is a series obtained on arranging the metals in descending
order of their reactivities.
The most reactive metal is placed at the top and rest are put in descending order so that the least reactive metal
is at the bottom.
The metal placed above can displace the metal from its salt solution placed below it in the activity series.
(b) Zinc being more reactive than copper and hence it displaces copper from copper sulphate solution. As a
result, a number of holes were observed on the zinc plate.
Zn  s   CuSo4  aq   ZnSO4  aq  Cu  s 
Zinc Copper sulphate Zinc sulphate Copper

Q23. An ore, on treatment with dilute hydrochloric acid gives brisk effervescence to produce a colourless
and odourless gas. Identify the type of ore. State in brief the metallurgical processes that are applied on
this type ore to extract the metal. [CBSE 2019 (B) Set-4]
Sample Response A metal carbonate reacts with dilute hydrochloric acid to form carbon dioxide. Therefore,
this ore is a carbonate ore. Carbonate ore is converted into free metal in the following two steps:
(a) Calcination: The carbonate ore is strongly heated in the absence of air to get the metal oxide.
Metal carbonate Calcination Metal oxide + carbon dioxide
(b) Reduction: The metal oxide is reduced with carbon to get free metal.
Metal oxide +Carbon Reduction Metal + carbon monoxide
Coke 

Q24. (a) Name two metals which are obtained from their ores by simple heating.
(b) Differentiate between calcination and roasting, taking examples of zinc ores.
(c) What is thermit reaction? State its significance. [CBSE 2019 (C) Set-1]
Sample Response(a) Two metals which can be obtained from their ores by simple heating their sulphide ores
are copper and sodium.
(b) Calcination is the process of converting an ore into its oxide by heating strongly, in the limited supply of air.
This method is commonly used for converting carbonate ores into their oxides.
ZnCO3  s  Heat ZnO  s   CO2  g 
Roasting is the process of converting an ore into its oxide by heating strongly, in excess of air. This method is
commonly used for converting sulphide ores into their oxides.
ZnS  s   3O2  g  Heat 2ZnO  s   2SO2  g 
(c) The reaction between iron (III) oxide (Fe2O3) and aluminium gives out a lot of heat. This reaction is called
thermite reaction.
Fe O  s   2 Al  s   2Fe  l  Al2O3  s   Heat
2 3
(Iron  III  Oxide)  Aluminium  Iron   Aluminium oxide
This displacement reaction is used to join railway tracks or cracked machine parts. The heat given out in the
reaction melts the iron formed. The molten iron runs down between the tracks and welds them together.

Q25. (a) Write the steps involved in the extraction of pure metals in the middle of the activity series from
their carbonate ores.
(b) How is copper extracted from its sulphide ore? Explain the various steps supported by chemical
equations. Draw labelled diagram for the electrolytic refining of copper. [CBSE 2018 (R) Set-1]
Sample Response The metals in the middle of reactivity series are usually present as sulphides or carbonates
in nature. The sulphide ores are converted into oxides by heating strongly in the presence of excess air known as
roasting.
2ZnS  s   3O2  g  Heat 2ZnO  s   2SO2  g 
The carbonate ores are changed into oxides by heating strongly in the limited supply of air known as
calcinations.
ZnCO3  s  Heat ZnO  s   CO2  g 
The metal oxide obtained is then reduced to metal by using suitable reducing agents such as carbon or highly
reactive metals such as sodium, calcium and aluminium etc.
ZnO  s   C  s  Heat Zn  s   CO  g 
The metals high up in the reactivity series are obtained by electrolytic reduction. They cannot be obtained by
heating with carbon because these metals have more affinity for oxygen than carbon.
Electrolytic reduction: Sodium, calcium and magnesium are obtained by the electrolysis of their metal chlorides.
The metals are deposited at the cathode and chlorine gas is liberated at the anode.
 
At cathode: Na  e  Na
 
At anode: 2Cl  Cl2  2e
(b) In the extraction of copper from its sulphide ore, when ore is subjected to roasting some of it is oxidised to
Cu2O which reacts with the remaining Cu2S to give copper metal. In this process, Cu2S behaves as reducing
agent.
2Cu2 S  3O2 heat 2Cu2O  s   2SO2  g 
2Cu2O  Cu2 S heat 6Cu  s   SO2  g 
The copper obtained by this process is refined by electrolytic refining, the impurities left behind at anode called
anode mud contain valuable metals such as gold and silver which can be recovered in native state.
Include figure of electrolytic refining of copper from NCERT textbook here. [AQ]