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CBSE Notes
Class 10
Science
Chapter 3 Metals and Non-Metals

CBSE Notes Class 10  Chapter 3 - Metals and Non Metals

Understanding the properties and applications of metals and non-metals is a fundamental part of the CBSE Class 10 Science curriculum, as outlined in the textbook of NCERT Solutions. This comprehensive guide offers detailed CBSE notes on Chapter named Metals and Non-Metals, designed to help students grasp key concepts and prepare effectively for their exams.

1.0Download CBSE Notes for Class 10 Science Chapter 3: Metals and Non Metals - Free PDF!!

Hey there! Looking to ace the "Metals and Non-metals" chapter? These free CBSE Class 10 notes will give you a solid understanding of the properties and reactions of these important elements.

Class 10 Science Chapter 3 Revision Notes:

2.0What are Metals and Non-Metals

The periodic table broadly categorizes elements into metals and non-metals, each possessing distinct properties. Metals like aluminum and copper are known for their high thermal and electrical conductivity and are widely used in construction, electronics, and transportation. On the other hand, non-metals such as sulfur and phosphorus are insulators and play essential roles in various biological and chemical processes. Understanding whether an element is a metal or non-metal helps in determining its applications and behavior in different environments.

Image showing a list of metals and non metals

3.0Physical Properties of Metals and Non-Metals

Property

Metals

Non-Metals

Appearance

            Shiny

                  Dull

Malleability

Can be hammered into thin sheets

Cannot be hammered into thin sheets; brittle

Ductility

Can be drawn into wires

Cannot be drawn into wires; breaks when stretched

Conductivity

Good conductors of heat and electricity

Poor conductors of heat and electricity

4.0Chemical Properties of Metals and Non-Metals

Property

Metals

Non-Metals

Reaction with Oxygen

Form basic oxides

Form acidic or neutral oxides

Reaction with Water

Produce metal hydroxides and hydrogen gas

Generally do not react with water

Reaction with Acids

Release hydrogen gas

Typically do not react with acids

Here are some examples of Chemical Reactions:

Reaction with Oxygen

  • Metals: 2Mg(s) + O2(g) → 2MgO(s) 
  • Non-Metals: C(s) + O2(g) → CO2(g)

Reaction with Water

  • Metals: 2Na(s) + 2H2O(l) → 2NaOH (aq) + H2(g)
  • Non-Metals: CO2(g) + H2O(l) → H2CO3 (aq)

Reaction with Acids

  • Metals: Zn(s) + 2HCl (aq) →ZnCl2(aq) +H2 (g)
  • Non-Metals: Non-metals generally do not react with acids to produce hydrogen gas.

Reaction with Bases (mostly applicable to non-metals)

  • Non-Metals: Cl2(g) + 2NaOH(aq) → NaCl(aq) + NaClO(aq) + H2O(l)

5.0Reactivity Series and its Significance

The reactivity series is a list of metals arranged in order of their reactivity from highest to lowest. It is used to predict the products of displacement reactions and the method used for extracting metals.

Here is a simplified version of the reactivity series from the most reactive to the least:

  • Potassium (K)
  • Barium (Ba)
  • Sodium (Na)
  • Calcium (Ca)
  • Magnesium (Mg)
  • Aluminum (Al)
  • Zinc (Zn)
  • Iron (Fe)
  • Nickel (Ni)
  • Tin (Sn)
  • Lead (Pb)
  • Hydrogen (H)
  • Copper (Cu)
  • Mercury (Hg)
  • Silver (Ag)
  • Gold (Au)
  • Platinum (Pt)

6.0Occurrence of Metals

Metals are found in the Earth’s crust either as native metals (pure form) or more commonly as minerals within ores. Ores require processing to extract the metal.

7.0Extraction of Metals

The extraction process involves several steps to convert raw ore into purified metal, considering the metal’s position in the reactivity series.

  • Enrichment of Ores: This is the process of increasing the concentration of metals in ores by removing impurities and other non-metallic elements, often through physical or chemical means such as flotation and leaching.
  • Extracting Metals Low in the Activity Series: Metals low in the activity series (like copper and silver) are often found in a free state and can be extracted simply by heating their oxides with carbon or carbon monoxide.
  • Extracting Metals from the Middle of the Activity Series: Metals, which are present  in the middle of the activity series (like zinc and iron) are extracted by reducing their oxides with carbon or carbon monoxide at high temperatures.
  • Refining of Metals: Refining is the final step in metal extraction, where impurities are removed from the crude metal to achieve high purity. Techniques include electrolytic refining, distillation, and chemical methods.

Image showing a chart for the steps involved in extraction of metals from their ores

  • Corrosion: Corrosion is the deterioration of metals caused by chemical reactions with their surrounding environment, typically involving oxygen (rusting of iron). Preventative measures include galvanization, painting, and using anti-corrosive alloys.

8.0Uses of Metals and Non-Metals

Metals:

  • Iron: Used in construction and manufacturing machinery.
  • Copper: Used in electrical wiring due to its excellent electrical conductivity.
  • Aluminum: Used in packaging, transport, and construction because of its low density.

Non-Metals:

  • Oxygen: Essential for respiration and used in medical treatments.
  • Carbon: Used in filters, pencils, and as a fuel in its various forms.
  • Sulfur: Used in the manufacture of fertilizers and gunpowder.

9.0Solved Examples

Example 1.What happens when zinc granules are treated with dilute hydrochloric acid? Write the chemical equation for the reaction and describe the test for the gas evolved.

Solution: When zinc granules react with dilute hydrochloric acid, hydrogen gas is evolved, and zinc chloride is formed.

Reaction: Zn + 2HCl → ZnCl2 + H2​

The gas that evolved is hydrogen. To test for hydrogen gas, bring a burning splinter near the mouth of the test tube. If hydrogen gas is present, it will burn with a pop sound.

Example 2.Why do non-metals not conduct electricity? Name one non-metal that conducts electricity and explain why it is an exception.

Solution: Non-metals do not conduct electricity because they lack free electrons or ions that can move to carry an electric charge. However, graphite is an exception. It is a form of carbon (a non-metal) that conducts electricity because it has delocalized electrons within its structure that are free to move, allowing it to conduct electricity.

Example 3.What happens when sodium reacts with water? Write the balanced chemical equation and mention the type of reaction.

Solution: Sodium reacts vigorously with water, producing sodium hydroxide (a strong base) and hydrogen gas. The reaction is highly exothermic, and the hydrogen gas evolved may catch fire.

Reaction: 2Na + 2H2O → 2NaOH + H2

This is a displacement reaction because sodium displaces hydrogen from water.

10.0Benefits of CBSE Notes Class 10 Science Chapter 3: Metals and Non-Metals

  • Clarity on Chemical Reactions: Notes often present chemical reactions in a clear and balanced format, which is essential for understanding how metals and non-metals interact.
  • Understanding Differences: Notes effectively highlight the contrasting properties and behaviours of metals and non-metals, making it easier to differentiate between them.
  • Convenient Reference: You can easily refer to your CBSE notes whenever you have doubts or need to recall specific information, making learning a continuous process.
  • Personalised Learning: When you create your own notes, the process itself aids in understanding and allows you to tailor the information to your learning style.

Chapter-wise CBSE Notes for Class 10 Science:

Class 10 Science Chapter 1 - Chemical Reactions and Equation Notes

Class 10 Science Chapter 2 - Acid Bases and Salts Notes

Class 10 Science Chapter 3 - Metals and Non-Metals Notes

Class 10 Science Chapter 4 - Carbon and Its Compounds Notes

Class 10 Science Chapter 5 - Life Processes Notes

Class 10 Science Chapter 6 - Control and Coordination Notes

Class 10 Science Chapter 7 - How Do Organisms Reproduce? Notes

Class 10 Science Chapter 8 - Heredity Notes

Class 10 Science Chapter 9 - Light Reflection and Refraction Notes

Class 10 Science Chapter 10 - Human Eye and Colorful World Notes

Class 10 Science Chapter 11 - Electricity Notes

Class 10 Science Chapter 12 - Magnetic Effects of Electric Current Notes

Class 10 Science Chapter 13 - Our Environment Notes



Chapter-wise NCERT Solutions for Class 10 Science:

Chapter 1: Chemical Reaction and Equations

Chapter 2: Acid Bases and Salts

Chapter 3: Metals and Non Metals

Chapter 4: Carbon and its Compounds

Chapter 5: Life Process

Chapter 6: Control and Coordination

Chapter 7: How Do Organisms Reproduce

Chapter 8: Heredity

Chapter 9: Light Reflection and Refraction

Chapter 10: Human Eye and Colourful World

Chapter 11: Electricity

Chapter 12: Magnetic Effects of Electric Current

Chapter 13: Our Environment

Frequently Asked Questions

Metals contain free electrons that move freely throughout the metal, conducting electricity as described in the NCERT textbooks.

No, non-metals are not ductile. They are brittle and break when stretched.

Francium is considered the most reactive metal, although it is rare and highly radioactive.

Non-metals are unable to donate electrons to hydrogen ions in acids, which is necessary for a reaction.

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