Ch 8.
2 Worksheet: Metals and Non-Metals
Section A: Fill in the Blanks
1. Elements are classified as ________ and ________ based on their physical
properties.
2. Metals are generally ________, while non-metals usually appear ________.
3. ________ is the only liquid metal at room temperature, and ________ is the
only liquid non-metal.
4. ________ is an alloy of copper and zinc, used to make musical instruments.
5. ________ is a non-metal that is essential for making matches and fertilizers.
6. The property of metals allowing them to be drawn into wires is called
________.
7. The process of heating wood in the absence of oxygen produces ________, a
form of carbon.
8. Alloys like ________ are commonly used in coins and statues because they
are harder than pure metals.
Section B: True or False
1. Non-metals are malleable and ductile. ( )
2. All metals are solid at room temperature. ( )
3. Graphite, a form of carbon, is a good conductor of electricity. ( )
4. Alloys are made by mixing one or more elements, including at least one metal.
( )
5. Pure gold is stronger and harder than 18-carat gold. ( )
6. Metals are poor conductors of heat and electricity. ( )
7. Iodine is a non-metal used in water purification kits. ( )
8. Diamond, a form of carbon, is the hardest known natural substance. ( )
Section C: Short Answer Questions
1. Explain why metals are good conductors of electricity.
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2. Why are alloys like stainless steel preferred over pure metals in making
surgical instruments?
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3. Describe the appearance and uses of phosphorus.
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4. How can you distinguish between a metal and a non-metal without using heat?
Mention at least two tests.
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5. What are the advantages of using alloys over pure metals?
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6. Give an example of a metal that tarnishes when exposed to air and explain
why.
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Section D: Match the Following
1. Bronze ____ a. Used for aircraft, lightweight
and strong
2. Stainless Steel ____ b. Copper andzinc alloy for
3. Duralumin ____ buttons and ornaments
c. Alloy of iron and carbon,
4. Brass ____ resistant to corrosion
5. Iodine ____ d. Alloy of copper and tin, used
in bells and coins
6. Charcoal ____ e. Shiny, purplish-black solid
used in water purification
f. Made by heating wood without
oxygen
Section E: Application Questions
1. Classify the following substances as metals, non-metals, or alloys:
a. Aluminium _____________
b. Sulphur _____________
c. Brass _____________
d. Iodine _____________
e. Steel _____________
f. Mercury _____________
2. Suggest advantages of using aluminium bronze for making boats.
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3. You are given an unknown element. It is shiny, malleable, and conducts
electricity. Is it a metal or a non-metal? Justify your answer.
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4. Why is it useful to alloy gold when making jewelry?
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5. Explain why graphite is an exception to the general properties of non-metals.
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Section F: Critical Thinking
1. If stainless steel did not resist corrosion, what challenges might arise in its
applications?
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2. Why does adding carbon to iron make steel harder and stronger?
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3. Explain why pure metals are usually softer than their alloys.
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4. How would the properties of an alloy change if the proportion of carbon in
steel is increased?
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Section G: Diagram Interpretation
1. Look at the diagram of atomic arrangements in pure metals and alloys.
Answer the following:
a. Why do alloys have lower malleability compared to pure metals?
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b. How does the irregular arrangement of atoms affect the conductivity of
alloys?
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2. Sketch a simple diagram to show how the structure of a pure metal differs
from an alloy.
Section H: Research-Based Questions
1. Research the uses of the following metals and non-metals:
a. Magnesium
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b. Chlorine
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c. Tin
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d. Sulphur
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2. Find an example of an alloy not mentioned in the lesson and describe its
composition and uses.
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Answers: Metals and Non-Metals
Section A: Fill in the Blanks
1. Metals and non-metals
2. Shiny, dull
3. Mercury, bromine
4. Brass
5. Phosphorus
6. Ductility
7. Charcoal
8. Bronze
Section B: True or False
1. False
2. False (Mercury is liquid at room temperature)
3. True
4. True
5. False (18-carat gold is harder than pure gold)
6. False (Metals are good conductors of heat and electricity)
7. True
8. True
Section C: Short Answer Questions
1. Metals are good conductors of electricity because they have free-moving
delocalized electrons that carry charge.
2. Stainless steel is preferred for surgical instruments because it is corrosion-
resistant, strong, and easy to sterilize.
3. Phosphorus exists in different forms (red and white). Red phosphorus is used
in matchsticks, while white phosphorus is used in fertilizers and detergents.
4.
o Bend or strike it: Metals are malleable, while non-metals are brittle.
o Test conductivity: Metals conduct electricity, while non-metals do not.
5. Alloys are stronger, more durable, corrosion-resistant, and can have tailored
properties for specific uses.
6. Iron tarnishes because it reacts with oxygen in the air, forming a layer of iron
oxide.
Section D: Match the Following
1. d
2. c
3. a
4. b
5. e
6. f
Section E: Application Questions
1. a. Metal
b. Non-metal
c. Alloy
d. Non-metal
e. Alloy
f. Metal
2. Aluminium bronze is lightweight, strong, and corrosion-resistant, making it
ideal for use in sea-water environments.
3. It is a metal because it is shiny, malleable, and conducts electricity — all
characteristic properties of metals.
4. Alloying gold increases its hardness and durability, making it suitable for
jewelry.
5. Graphite, unlike most non-metals, can conduct electricity due to its
delocalized electrons.
Section F: Critical Thinking
1. If stainless steel corroded, it would degrade quickly, especially in wet
environments, rendering it unsuitable for cutlery and surgical instruments.
2. Adding carbon to iron makes steel harder and stronger because the carbon
atoms disrupt the regular atomic arrangement, making it more resistant to
deformation.
3. Pure metals are softer because their atoms are regularly arranged, allowing
them to slide over each other easily. Alloys introduce atoms of different sizes,
making the structure irregular and harder.
4. Increasing carbon in steel makes it harder and less malleable but also more
brittle, limiting its use for flexible applications.
Section G: Diagram Interpretation
1. a. Alloys have lower malleability because the irregular atomic arrangement
prevents the layers from sliding easily.
b. The irregular arrangement hinders the movement of delocalized electrons,
reducing conductivity.
2. Diagrams should show:
o Pure metal: Uniform, regular arrangement of atoms.
o Alloy: Irregular atomic arrangement with atoms of different sizes.
Section H: Research-Based Questions
1. a. Magnesium: Used in lightweight structures like car parts and aerospace
components.
b. Chlorine: Used to disinfect water and as a component in bleach.
c. Tin: Used in coatings for food cans to prevent rusting.
d. Sulphur: Used in making rubber, medicines, and sulfuric acid.
2. Example: Nichrome
o Composition: Nickel and chromium alloy.
o Uses: Heating elements in appliances like toasters and electric ovens.