Chemistry

Chapter – 3
Metals And Non-Metals

Q.1 Give differences between the physical properties of metals and non-metals.

Ans.
S.No. PROPERTY METALS NON – METALS
1. Physical State Generally solid at room May be solids, liquids or gases.
temperature except mercury and
gallium.
2. Hardness Generally hard except sodium, Generally soft except diamond.
potassium and aluminium.
3. Density High except sodium and Low except diamond.
potassium.
4. Melting and High except mercury and Low except for carbon and silicon.
boiling points gallium.
5. Lustre Freshly cut metals have lustre. Do not have lustre except iodine and
graphite.
6. Malleability Generally malleable except zinc, Not malleable.
arsenic and antimony.
7. Ductility Generally ductile except zinc, Not ductile except carbon fibre.
arsenic and antimony.
8. Conductivity Good conductors of heat and Poor conductors of electricity except
electricity except tungsten and graphite.
bismuth.

9. Tensile Higher except zinc, arsenic, Do not have tensile strength except
Strength antimony. carbon fibre.
10. Sonority Sonorous Non – sonorous.

Q.2 Name :

a) A non – metal which is the hardest substance.

Ans. Diamond.

b) Metal which floats on the surface of water.

Ans. Potassium.

c) Metals which can be cut with a knife.

Ans. Sodium and Potassium.

d) Metal which offers highest resistance to the flow of current.

OR
Metal which is the poorest conductor of electricity.

Ans. Tungsten.
e) Metals that are good conductors of heat .

Ans. Silver, Copper.

f) Metals which are poor conductors of heat.

Ans. Lead and mercury.

g) Metals which are the best conductor of electricity.

Ans. 1. Silver 2. Copper 3. Aluminium.

h) Non-metal which is a liquid at room temperature.

Ans. Bromine.

i) Non-metals which are gases at room temperature.

Ans. Oxygen, Chlorine and Nitrogen.

j) Metals that are stored in kerosene oil.

Ans. Sodium and Potassium.

k) Highly malleable metals.

Ans. Gold and silver.

l) Metals whose melting points are so low that they can melt even in the hands.

Ans. Cesium, Gallium (they have melting points less than 310K (370C).

Q.3 Compare the chemical properties of metals and non-metals.

Ans.
S.No. METALS NON – METALS
1. They are electropositive. They are electronegative.
2. They form ionic bonds. They form covalent bonds.
3. They react with water to form oxides and They do not react with water.
hydroxides.
4. They react with dilute acids to form salt along They do not react with dilute acids to
with release of H2 gas. because they are not capable of displacing
hydrogen.
5. They react with salt solutions of metals. They react with salt solutions of
non-metals.
6. They act as reducing agents as they can They act as oxidizing agents as they can
easily lose electrons. easily gain electrons.

Q.4 Give reasons :-

a) Cooking utensils and water boilers are generally made of copper and aluminium.

Ans. Because copper and aluminium are very good conductors of electricity.

b) Titanium, chromium and manganese are regarded as strategic metals.

Ans. Because these metals are used in making space science projects, atomic power plants, jet engines and
in making high grade steel.
c) Gold and silver are called noble metals.

Ans. Because they do not react with air, water, acids and alkalis.

d) Uranium, radium, thorium and polonium are called radioactive metals.

Ans. Because they emit radiations that are harmful for living organisms.

e) Metals like Na, K, Ca and Mg are never found in their free state in nature.

Ans. Because they are highly reactive metals. They can easily react with air, moisture and acids.

f) Iron articles are galvanized.

Ans. This is done to prevent rusting of iron articles. After galvanization, the layer of zinc forms a protective
barrier and does not allow the iron to come in contact with air and moisture.

g) NaCℓ is not a conductor of electricity in solid state whereas it does conduct electricity in
aqueous solution as well as in molten state.

Ans. NaCℓ does not conduct electricity in solid because free ions are not available to move in solid NaCℓ. But
in aqueous solution and in molten state, free movement of Na+ and Cℓ- ions is there. The movement of
these free ions conducts electricity.

h) Carbon cannot reduce the oxides of Na or Mg.

Ans. It is because Na and Mg are strong reducing agents. They have higher affinity for oxygen than for
carbon. So carbon cannot reduce oxides of Na or Mg.

i) Reactivity of Aℓ decreases if it is dipped in HNO3.

Ans. HNO3 acts as a strong oxidising agent. When Aℓ is dipped in HNO3, a layer of aluminium oxide (Aℓ2 O3)
gets deposited on the surface of Aℓ. This layer prevents further reaction of Aℓ and the reactivity of Aℓ
decreases.

j) When metals are treated with mineral acids, H2 gas is liberated. But when metals (except Mn and
Mg) are treated with HNO3, H2 gas is not liberated.

Ans. HNO3 is a strong oxidizing agent. It oxides H2 gas into H2O. HNO3 itself gets reduced to NO and NO2.

k) Electric wires are covered with rubber-like material.

Ans. Rubber is an insulator. It does not allow electric current to flow through it. This gives protection against
electric shocks. So electric wires are covered with rubber – like material.

l) Zinc can liberate H2 gas from dilute HCℓ whereas copper cannot .

Ans. Zinc is more reactive than hydrogen. So it can displace hydrogen from dilute HCℓ to liberate H2 gas.
Copper, on the other hand, is less reactive than hydrogen. It cannot displace hydrogen from dilute
HCℓ. So H2 gas is not evolved.

m) Na and K metals are kept under kerosene oil.

Ans. Na and K are highly reactive metals. They react with air and water quickly to form their respective
oxides and hydroxides at room temperature. So they are kept under kerosene oil to prevent their
contact with air and water.

n) Gold, silver and platinum are used to make jewellery.

Ans. 1. These metals are the most malleable, ductile and lustrous metals.
2. These are noble metals which do not react with air moisture and are not easily tarnished.
o) Aluminium is a highly reactive metal, yet it is used to make cooking utensils.
Ans. 1. Aluminium is a very good conductor of heat.
2.When exposed to air, the surface of Aℓ gets covered with a layer of Aℓ2 O3, which prevents the metal
from further corrosion.

p) Lemon or tamarind juice is effective in cleaning tarnished copper.

Ans. Tarnished copper a layer basic copper carbonate over it surface. This layer dissolves quickly in the
presence of acids present in lemon (citric acid) and tamarind (tartaric acid).

q) Copper is used to make hot water tanks instead of steel.

Ans. 1. Copper does not react with hot water or steam whereas steel reacts with steam.
2. Copper is a very good conductor of heat as compared to steel.
3. Copper has a higher melting point as compared to steel.

r) Generally when metals are treated with mineral acids, hydrogen gas is liberated but when metals
except (Mn and Mg) are treated with HNO3, hydrogen is not liberated. Why?

Ans. It is because HNO3 is a strong oxidizing agent. It gets reduced to NO if it is dilute and NO2 if it is
concentrated, it oxidises hydrogen to H2O.

Q.5 How do metals react with oxygen?

Ans.
S.No. METALS REACTIVITY REACTION
Room Temp.
1. Potassium Maximum 4K + O2 2K2O
Room Temp.
2. Sodium Very high 4Na + O2 2Na2O
Heating
3. Magnesium High 2Mg + O2 2MgO
Strong Heating
4. Zinc Moderate 2Zn + O2 2ZnO
Strong Heating
5. Iron Moderate 3Fe + 2 O2 Fe3 O4

Prolonged
6. Copper Very Less 2Cu + O2 2CuO
Strong heating

K > Na > Mg > Zn > Fe > Cu

Q.6 What are amphoteric oxides?

Ans. Some metal oxides show acidic as well as basic properties. They are called AMPHOTERIC OXIDES.

For example : ZnO, Aℓ2O3

1. Aℓ2O3 + 3H2SO4 Aℓ(SO4)3 + 3H2O

(Basic) Aluminium
sulphate

Aℓ2O3 + 2NaOH 2Na Aℓ O2 + H2O

(Acidic) Sodium
aluminate
 2. ZnO + 2HCℓ ZnCℓ2 + H2O
(Basic) (dil.) (Zinc chloride)

ZnO + 2NaOH Na2 Zn O2 + H2O

(Acidic) (Sodium zincate)

Q.7 How do various metals react with water?

Ans.
S.No. METALS REACTS WITH REACTION
1. Potassium Cold Water 2K + 2H2O 2KOH + H2
(Cold Water)
2. Sodium Cold Water 2Na + 2H2O 2NaOH + H2
(Cold Water)
3. Calcium Cold Water Ca + 2H2O Ca(OH)2 + H2
(Cold Water)
4. Magnesium Cold Water Mg + 2H2O Mg(OH)2 + H2
(Cold Water)
5. Zinc , Iron, Steam Zn + H2O (g) ZnO + H2
Aluminium (steam)
4Aℓ + 6H2O (g) Aℓ2 O3 + H2
(steam)
Fe + 4H2O (g) Fe3 O4 + 4H2
(steam)
6. Gold, Silver, --- No reaction
Copper,
Mercury

K > Na > Ca > Mg > Aℓ > Zn > Fe > Au > Ag > Pt

Most reactive least reactive

Q.8 How do metals react with solutions of other metal salts?

Ans. When metals react with solutions of other metal salts, the more reactive metal displaces the less
reactive metal from its salt solution. This reaction is called displacement reaction.

S.No. REACTION MORE REACTION

BETWEEN REACTIVE
1. Copper and silver Copper 2AgNO3 + Cu Cu(NO3)2 + 2Ag
nitrate solution (Silver Nitrate (Copper Nitrate
Solution) Solution)
2. Zinc and copper Zinc CuSO4 + Zn ZnSO4 + Cu
sulphate solution (Copper Sulphate
Solution)
3. Iron and copper Iron CuSO4 + Fe FeSO4 + Cu
sulphate solution (Copper Sulphate
Solution)
4. Aluminium and Aluminium CuSO4 + Aℓ Aℓ 2(SO4)3 + Cu
copper sulphate (Copper Sulphate
solution Solution)
Q.9 How do metals react with dilute acids?

Ans.
S.No. METALS REACTION REACTION
1. Potassium Explosive 2K + 2HCℓ 2KCℓ + H2

2. Sodium Explosive 2Na + 2HCℓ 2NaCℓ + H2

3. Magnesium Vigorous Mg + HCℓ MgCℓ2 + H2

4. Aluminium Initially Slow 2Aℓ + 6HCℓ 2AℓCℓ3 + H2

5. Zinc Less Vigorous Zn + 2HCℓ ZnCℓ2 + H2

6. Iron Slow Fe + 2HCℓ FeCℓ2 + H2

7. Tin Slow Sn + 2HCℓ SnCℓ2 + H2

8. Copper ------ No reaction

K > Na > Mg > Aℓ > Zn > Fe > Sn > Cu

Q.10 What is the reactivity series ?

Ans. The arrangement of metals in a vertical column in the decreasing order of their chemical reactivities is
called reactivity series.

REACTIVITY SERIES

Q.11 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?

Ans. a) 1. We can beat the given sample with a hammer. If it can be beaten into thin sheets, it is malleable
and it is a metal, otherwise it is a non-metal.

2. We can use the battery, bulb, wires and a switch to set up a circuit with the given samples. If
the sample conducts electricity, it is a metal, otherwise a non-metal.

b) These tests are useful to distinguish between metal and non-metals as they are based on the
physical properties only. No chemical reaction is involved in these tests.
Q.12 Pratyush took sulphur powder on a spatula and heated it. He collected the gas evolved by
inverting a test tube over it.

a) What will be the action of gas on

i) dry litmus paper ?
ii) moist litmus paper?

b) Write a balanced chemical equation for the reaction taking place.

Ans. a) i) Dry litmus paper does not change its colour with acid or base.
ii) Moist blue litmus paper turns red because the gas evolved is SO2 which is acidic in nature.

b) S + O2 SO2

SO2 + H2O H2SO3

Q.13 A metal X, which is used in thermite process, when heated with oxygen gives an oxide Y which
is amphoteric in nature. Identify X and Y. Write down chemical equations for the reaction oxide Y
with HCl and NaOH.

Ans. 1. The metal X is aluminium which reacts with oxygen to form aluminium oxide, Al2O3(Y), which is
amphoteric in nature.

4Al + 3O2-----🡪2Al2O3

2. The balanced chemical equation of the reaction of oxide Y with HCl is-

Al2O3 + 6 HCl------------2AlCl3 + 3H2O

3. The balanced chemical equation of the reaction of oxide Y with NaOH is-

Al2O3 + 2 NaOH-----------2NaAlO2 +H2O

Q.14 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?

Ans. 1. The solution he had used was Aqua Regia, which is a freshly prepared mixture of concentrated
HCℓ and concentrated HNO3 in the ratio 3:1. Aqua Regia is a reagent that can dissolve gold.

2. When the person dip the bangles in Aqua Regia, some of the gold got dissolved in it and hence the
weight of bangles got reduced.

Q.15 A non-metal ‘X’ exists in two different forms, ‘Y’ and ‘Z’. Y is the hardest natural substance
whereas Z is a good conductor of electricity. Identify X, Y and Z.

Ans. The non-metal ‘X’ is carbon.

‘Y’ is diamond as it is the hardest natural substance.
‘Z’ is graphite as it is a good conductor of electricity.

Q.16 A non-metal ‘A’ is an important constituent of food and forms two oxides ‘B’ and ‘C’. Oxide ‘B’ is
toxic whereas ‘C’ causes global warming.Identify A, B and C

Ans. ‘A’ is carbon.

‘B’ is CO (Carbon monoxide) which is toxic.
 ‘C’ is CO2 (Carbon dioxide) which causes global warming as it absorbs heat radiation from the
atmosphere.

Q.17 An element ‘A’ reacts with water to form a compound ‘B’ which is used in white washing. The
compound ‘B’ on heating forms an oxide ‘C’ which on treatment with water gives back ‘B’.
Identify ‘A’, ‘B’ and ‘C’ and write the equations involved.

Ans. 1. Ca + 2H2O Ca(OH)2 + H2

(Calcium) (Calcium Hydroxide)
(A) (B)

Δ
2. Ca(OH)2 CaO + H2O
(B) Calcium Oxide (C)

3. CaO + H2O Ca(OH)2

(Calcium Hydroxide)
(B)
A = Calcium metal
B = Calcium hydroxide
C = Calcium oxide

Q.18 A metal M does not liberate H2 gas from acids but reacts with oxygen to give a black coloured
product. Identify M and the black coloured product.

Ans. 1. Since metal ‘M’ does not liberate hydrogen from acids, it is less reactive than hydrogen.
2. Metal ‘M’ gives a black coloured product on reaction with oxygen. So metal ‘M’ is copper. Copper
metal does not burn in air even on strong heating.
1. Copper reacts with oxygen on prolonged heating to black coloured copper (II) oxide.

2Cu + O2 2CuO
Copper Copper (II) oxide
(M)
Q.19 An element forms an oxide A2O3 which is acidic in nature. Identify A as a metal or a non-metal.
Ans. 1. Oxides of metals are basic in nature whereas oxides of non-metals are acidic in nature.
2. Since the element ‘A’ forms acidic oxide, it must be non-metal.
3. The formula of its oxide is A2O3. A is Boron whose atomic no. is 5 and electronic configuration is 2, 3.
4. ‘A’ is Boron.
A2O3 is B2O3
Q.20 A solution of CuSO4 was kept in an iron pot. After a few days, the iron pot was found to have
holes in it. Explain the reason in terms of reactivity. Write the equation for the reaction involved.
Ans. Iron is more reactive than copper. So it displaces copper from CuSO4 solution and forms FeSO4
solution. This reaction results in the formation of holes in the iron pot.
CuSO4 + Fe FeSO4 + Cu
(Copper Sulphate (Ferrous Sulphate
Solution) Solution)
Q.21 What is an alloy? How are alloys made?
Ans. An alloy is a homogeneous mixture of two or more metals or non-metals or a metal and a non-metal.
Pure metals generally do not have all the properties of an ideal metal. So alloys are made to improve
the properties of metals.
1. The primary metal is melted.
2. Other elements are dissolved in it in a definite proportion.
3. The mixture is then cooled to room temperature.
Q.22 Why is gold alloyed? Name the two metals which are used to make alloys of gold.
Ans. Pure gold is a very soft metal. It is not suitable for making jewellary. So, gold is alloyed to Increase its
hardness so that the ornaments do not get deformed easily.
Silver or copper is used to make alloys of gold. 22 parts of pure gold are alloyed with 2 parts of either
silver or copper.

Q.23 Why is iron mixed with :

a) A small amount of carbon?
Ans. To make the iron hard and strong.

b) Nickel and Chromium

Ans. To get stainless steel which is hard and does not rust.

Q.24 What are the constituents of solder alloy? Which property of solder makes it suitable for welding
electrical wires?
Ans. 1. Solder is an alloy of lead and tin.
2. Low melting point of solder makes it suitable for melting electrical wires.

Q.25 What are ionic compounds? What are the properties of ionic compounds?

Ans. Ionic compounds are the compounds which are formed by force of attraction between cations and
anions.

Properties :

1. Ionic compounds are hard solids .

2. They have high melting and boiling points.
3. They conduct electricity in the molten or aqueous solution.
4. They are soluble in water but insoluble in solvents like petrol and kerosene oil.

Q.26 Give reasons :

a) Ionic compounds are hard solids.

Ans. Because they are formed by strong force of attraction between the cations and anions.

b) Ionic compounds have high melting and boiling points.

Ans. Because there is a strong force of attration between the cations and anions. Large amount of energy is
required to break these forces of attraction.

Q.27 Write the electron dot structures of sodium, oxygen and magnesium.

Ans. 1. At. no. of Sodium = 11

e.c. = 2, 8 , 1
.
Electron dot structure = Na
2. At. no. of oxygen = 8
e.c. = 2, 6
. .
Electron dot structure = : O :
 3. At. no. of Mg = 12
e.c. = 2, 8, 2 ..
Electron dot structure = Mg

Q.28 Show the formation of Na2O and MgO by the transfer of electrons.

Ans. 1. FORMATION OF Na2O :

Na Na+ + e-
2, 8, 1 2,8
Sodium atom Sodium ion

O + 2- O2-
2,6 2,8
Oxygen atom Oxygen ion

2. FORMATION OF MgO :

Mg Mg2+ + 2e-
2, 8, 2 2,8
Magnesium atom Magnesium ion

O + 2e- O2-
2,6 2,8
Oxygen atom Oxygen ion

b) What are the ions present in the above compounds?

Ans. 1. The ions present in Na2O ae Na+ and O2-

2. The ions present in MgO are Mg2+ and O2-

Q.29 What are the various steps involved in metallurgy?

Ans. 1. Concentration of the ore.
2. Conversion of the ore into metal oxide.
3. Reduction of metal oxide into metal.
4. Refining of impure metal to obtain pure metal.
Q.30 Explain various methods of concentration of the ore.
Ans. 1. ELECTROMAGNETIC SEPARATION :

This method is used to concentrate the ore when :-

a) The ore is magnetic in nature.
b) The ore is non-magnetic but the impurities are magnetic.

The powdered ore is allowed to fall on the moving rubber belt. The magnetic particles get attracted
by the magnet and fall at a distance away from the impurities. Ore of iron is concentrated by this
method.

2. GRAVITY PROCESS OR HYDRAULIC WASHING :

a) It is used to concentrate the ores having higher density than the impurities.
b) It is used in most of the ores except sulphide ores.
c) Ores of lead and tin are concentrated by this method.

A strong jet of water is passed over the powdered ore. The lighter impurities are washed away and
the heavy ore particles are left behind.

3. FROTH FLOATATION :
 a) It is used to concentrate sulphide ores only.
b) It is based on the principle that when an ore is dipped in the mixture of water and pine oil, the
ore particles stick to the oil and the impurities settle down at the bottom.

Q.31 What are the different methods used in conversion of concentrated ore into metal oxide? Give
similarities and differences between them.

Ans. 1. Calcination
2. Roasting

SIMILARITIES :

1. Metal oxides are formed.

2. Moisture is removed from the ore.
3. The ore becomes porous.

DIFFERENCES :

S.No. CALCINATION ROASTING

1. It is carried out for the ores other than It is carried out only for sulphide ores.
sulphide ores.
2. The ore is heated strongly in a limited supply The ore is heated in excess of air.
of air.
3. Metal oxide and CO2 gas is produced. Metal oxide and SO2 gas is produced.
4. For Example : For Example :
Heat Heat
ZnCO3 ZnO + CO2 2ZnS + 3O3 2ZnO + 2SO2

Q.32 What are the different methods to convert metal oxides into metals?

Ans. Reduction of Metal Oxides into Metals

METALS OF LOW METALS OF MEDIUM METALS OF HIGH

REACTIVITY REACTIVITY REACTIVITY

Unreactive metals like Cu , Moderately reactive metals like Highly reactive metals like Na, K,
Hg etc. Fe, Zn, Pb etc. Ca etc.

Can be reduced by reacting with a Can be reduced by electrolytic

Can be reduced by heating. reducing agent like Carbon or by reduction in which the highly
displacement reaction with a reactive metal is obtained from its
highly reactive metal like Na, K, oxide or chloride by the process of
Δ Aℓ , etc. electrolysis of its molten salt.
2HgO 2Hg + O2
ZnO + C Zn + CO 2NaCℓ 2Na(s) + Cℓ2 (g)
(Molten)
3MnO + 4Aℓ 3Mn + 2Aℓ2O3
 + Heat

Q.33 What is Electrolytic refining? In the electrolytic refining of a metal ’M’, what should you take as
anode, the cathode and the electrolyte?

Ans. 1. The process of removing impurities from the metals to obtain pure metals by passing electric
current is called electrolytic refining.
2. For the refining of a metal ‘M’, the impure metal is made the anode and a thin strip of pure metal is
made the cathode. A solution of the metal salt is used as an electrolyte.

Q.34 Give reasons :

a) Sulphide ore of a metal is first converted into its oxide to extract metal from it.

Ans. It is because it is easier to reduce oxide ore as compared to sulphide ore and obtain metal from it.

b) Highly reactive metals cannot be obtained from their oxides by heating them with carbon.

Ans. It is because these metals are themselves strong reducing agents. They cannot be reduced by weak
reducing agents like carbon.

c) Carbon cannot reduce the oxides of sodium or magnesium.

Ans. It is because sodium and magnesium are highly reactive metals. They have a higher affinity for oxygen
than for carbon.

Q.35 What is Aluminothermy or thermite process? What are its uses?

Ans. It is the process in which displacement reaction occurs between Fe2 O3 and Aℓ to obtain iron in the
molten state along with large amount of heat.

Fe2 O3(s) + 2Aℓ(s) 2Fe(ℓ) + Aℓ2 O3 (s) + Heat

(Ferric Oxide) Molten iron Aluminium Oxide

USES :

1. To join railway tracks.

2. To repair cracked machine parts.

Q.36 Give differences between :

Ans.
S.No. ELECROLYTIC REDUCTION ELECTROLYTIC REFINING
1. It involves the passing of electric current It involves the purification of impure metal.
through a molten metal oxide or aqueous
solution of metal salt.
2. Both the electrodes are made up of graphite. Anode is made of impure metal whereas
cathode is made from pure metal.
3. Both the electrodes are of the same size. Anode is thicker than the cathode.