Metals and Non-Metals — Science Class 10 Notes (CBSE & HBSE)
Free NCERT Science notes for Metals and Non-Metals (Class 10) on Siksha Sarovar, aligned to CBSE and Haryana Board (HBSE). This chapter is broken into 5 topics with clear explanations, formulas, solved examples and board-pattern practice — free to read, no sign-up required.
Board exam focus — Metals and Non-Metals (CBSE & HBSE)
Focuses on the reactivity series, properties of ionic compounds, and metallurgical processes. CBSE emphasizes reactivity and extraction; HBSE emphasizes physical properties and corrosion.
Physical Properties & Nature
Elements can be classified as metals or non-metals based on their physical and chemical properties.
Physical Properties Comparison
| Property | Metals | Non-Metals |
|---|---|---|
| Lustre | Shining | Dull (except Iodine) |
| Hardness | Hard (except Na, K) | Soft (except Diamond) |
| State | Solid (except Hg) | Solid/Gas (except Br) |
| Malleability | High | Non-malleable |
| Ductility | High | Non-ductile |
| Conductivity | Good | Poor (except Graphite) |
Chemical Properties of Metals
1. Reaction with Air
Metals combine with oxygen to form metal oxides.
- Metal + Oxygen → Metal Oxide
- Amphoteric Oxides: Metal oxides which react with both acids and bases to produce salt and water. Example: Al₂O₃, ZnO.
2. Reaction with Water
- Metals react with water to form metal oxide and hydrogen gas.
- Highly reactive metals (Na, K) react violently with cold water.
- Metals like Al, Fe, Zn react only with steam.
3. Reaction with Acids
- Metal + Dilute Acid → Salt + Hydrogen Gas
- Aqua Regia: A freshly prepared mixture of concentrated HCl and concentrated HNO₃ in the ratio 3:1. It can dissolve gold and platinum.
Reactivity Series & Ionic Compounds
Reactivity Series
A list of metals arranged in the order of their decreasing activities.
- Most Reactive: K, Na, Ca, Mg, Al.
- Medium Reactive: Zn, Fe, Pb, Cu.
- Least Reactive: Ag, Au.
Ionic Compounds
Formed by the transfer of electrons from a metal to a non-metal.
- Properties:
- High melting and boiling points (strong inter-ionic attraction).
- Generally soluble in water but insoluble in kerosene/petrol.
- Conduct electricity in molten or aqueous state (ions are free to move).
Extraction of Metals (Metallurgy)
The process of obtaining pure metal from its ore is called metallurgy.
Steps in Metallurgy:
- Enrichment of Ore: Removing impurities (gangue).
- Conversion to Oxide:
- Roasting: Heating sulphide ores in excess air (e.g., 2ZnS + 3O₂ → 2ZnO + 2SO₂).
- Calcination: Heating carbonate ores in limited air (e.g., ZnCO₃ → ZnO + CO₂).
- Reduction: Reducing metal oxides to metals using carbon (coke) or reactive metals (Thermite reaction).
- Refining: Electrolytic refining is used to get pure metal.
Corrosion and Prevention
Corrosion
The eating up of metal surfaces by the action of air, moisture, or chemicals.
- Silver: Becomes black due to Ag₂S.
- Copper: Becomes green due to basic copper carbonate.
- Iron: Becomes reddish-brown (Rust).
Prevention:
- Painting/Greasing: Creating a barrier.
- Galvanisation: Coating iron with a thin layer of Zinc.
- Alloying: Mixing a metal with other metals/non-metals (e.g., Steel, Brass, Bronze).
Frequently asked questions
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Do these notes follow CBSE and HBSE?
Yes. The Metals and Non-Metals notes are NCERT-aligned and include guidance for both CBSE and Haryana Board (HBSE), with important questions and MCQs for revision.
What does the Metals and Non-Metals chapter cover?
Concept explanations, key formulas and definitions, fully solved examples and board-pattern practice questions for Metals and Non-Metals.