Chapter 3: Metals and Non-Metals — Class 10 Science Notes
1. Physical Properties
Metals: Characterized by lustre, malleability, ductility, sonority,
conductivity (heat & electricity), high density, and high
melting/boiling points. Notable exceptions include sodium and
potassium (soft), and mercury (liquid)
[Link]'SExtramarks.
Non-Metals: Generally dull, brittle, non-ductile, poor conductors
(except graphite), lower density, and lower melting points (except
diamond) [Link]'S.
2. Chemical Properties of Metals
Reaction with oxygen:
o Most metals form oxides. For example:
2Cu+O2→2CuO2Cu + O₂ → 2CuO2Cu+O2→2CuO,
4Al+3O2→2Al2O34Al + 3O₂ → 2Al₂O₃4Al+3O2→2Al2O3
Extramarks.
Reaction with water:
o Highly reactive metals like K and Na react vigorously with cold
water, forming metal hydroxide and hydrogen (H₂ ignites due
to heat) [Link].
o Ca reacts less violently, forming calcium hydroxide and H₂
[Link].
o Mg reacts with hot water; Al, Fe, Zn react with steam to form
oxide and H₂ [Link].
o Metals like Pb, Cu, Ag, Au are inert to water
[Link] Labs.
Reaction with acids:
o Most metals react with dilute acids to produce salt and
hydrogen.
o Exception: Nitric acid is a strong oxidizer—hydrogen may get
oxidized to water while the acid reduces to nitrogen oxides.
Noble metals like Cu, Ag, Au don’t react with dilute acids
[Link] Labs.
Displacement Reactions:
o A more reactive metal can displace a less reactive metal from
its salt solution:
Al+CuSO4→Al2(SO4)3+CuAl + CuSO₄ → Al₂(SO₄)₃ +
CuAl+CuSO4→Al2(SO4)3+Cu Infinity LearnLearn CBSE.
3. Reactivity Series & Metallurgy
Reactivity Series:
o Metals arranged by decreasing reactivity:
K > Na > Ca > Mg > Al > Zn > Fe > Pb > Cu > Ag > Au (most
reactive at the top, noble metals at the bottom) CBSE
LabsLearn CBSE.
Extraction of Metals:
1. Concentration (Enrichment) — removing gangue using
methods like froth flotation, magnetic separation, etc.
[Link] CBSE.
2. Roasting & Calcination:
Roasting (for sulfide ores): Heat in air to convert sulfide
to oxide (e.g., 2ZnS + 3O₂ → 2ZnO + 2SO₂) Learn
CBSEInfinity Learn.
Calcination (for carbonate ores): Heat in limited air to
form oxide + CO₂ (e.g., ZnCO₃ → ZnO + CO₂) Learn
CBSEExtramarks.
3. Reduction:
Oxides are reduced to metals using reducing agents
(carbon, displacement, or electrolysis for highly reactive
metals) Learn CBSEInfinity Learn.
4. Alloys, Corrosion & Prevention
Alloys: Homogeneous mixtures like brass (Cu + Zn), bronze (Cu +
Sn), amalgam, increase strength and prevent rust BYJU'S.
Corrosion:
o Gradual deterioration of metals by moisture, air, or chemicals:
Rusting of iron: 4Fe+3O2+xH2O→2Fe2O3⋅xH2O4Fe +
⋅xH2O
3O₂ + xH₂O → 2Fe₂O₃·xH₂O4Fe+3O2+xH2O→2Fe2O3
Copper forms green patina:
Cu+H2O+CO2→CuCO3⋅Cu(OH)2Cu + H₂O + CO₂ →
CuCO₃·Cu(OH)₂Cu+H2O+CO2→CuCO3⋅Cu(OH)2
Silver tarnish: 2Ag+H2S→Ag2S+H22Ag + H₂S → Ag₂S +
H₂2Ag+H2S→Ag2S+H2 BYJU'S.
Prevention Methods:
1. Coating with paint, oil, or grease
2. Alloying (e.g., stainless steel)
3. Galvanization (zinc coating on iron)
4. Electroplating
5. Sacrificial protection (e.g., magnesium on iron) BYJU'S.
Quick Recap Chart
Topic Key Points Summary
Physical
Metals vs Non-metals differences
Properties
Chemical With O₂, H₂O, acids & displacement
Reactions reactions
Reactivity Series Order: K (most) to Au (least)
Metallurgy Concentration → Roasting/Calcination →
Processes Reduction
Alloys & Corrosion Alloy benefits & how to prevent corrosion