CBSE Class 10 Science Chapter 3: Metals and Non-metals NCERT Solutions

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NCERT Solutions PDF Class 10 PDF

This chapter delves into the fundamental properties and reactions of metals and non-metals, crucial for Class 10 Science students. The NCERT Solutions provide detailed explanations for multiple-choice questions covering topics like electrical conductivity, malleability, ductility, and reactivity with water and steam. It clarifies why certain metals are used for specific applications, such as cooking utensils, and explains the chemical reactions involved. These solutions are designed to help students grasp the concepts thoroughly, understand the reasoning behind the properties of elements, and prepare effectively for their examinations by reinforcing key principles of chemistry.

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Quick info

BoardCBSE
ClassClass 10
SubjectScience (Exemplar)
Session2026
LanguageEnglish
TypeNCERT Solutions
Chapter3. Metals and Non-metals

Chapter summary

Chapter 3, Metals and Non-metals, focuses on the characteristic physical and chemical properties of metals and non-metals. The NCERT Solutions cover multiple-choice questions that test understanding of properties like conductivity, malleability, ductility, and sonority. It also explains the reactivity of metals with water and steam, and the formation of oxides. This chapter is essential for building a foundational understanding of the periodic table and element behavior.

Learning outcomes

  • Identify properties generally not shown by metals.
  • Define and differentiate between ductility, malleability, sonority, and conductivity.
  • Explain the properties of aluminium that make it suitable for cooking utensils.
  • Describe the reactivity of different metals (Na, Ca, Mg, Fe) with water and steam.
  • Write the chemical equation for the reaction of iron with steam.
  • Analyze the reaction of calcium with water, including the formation of hydrogen gas bubbles.

Topics covered

Paper topics

  • Properties of Metals
  • Properties of Non-metals
  • Ductility
  • Malleability
  • Sonorousity
  • Conductivity (Electrical and Thermal)
  • Reactivity with Water
  • Reactivity with Steam
  • Iron Oxide Formation
  • Calcium Reaction with Water
  • Aluminium Applications
  • General Properties of Metals

Important topics

  • Reactivity of Metals with Water and Steam
  • Distinguishing Properties of Metals (Ductility, Malleability, Conductivity)
  • Chemical Equations for Reactions
  • Applications of Metals based on Properties

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Questions and Solutions

Question 1

Which of the following property is generally not shown by metals?
  1. Electrical conduction
  2. Sonorous in nature
  3. Dullness
  4. Ductility
Solution: The correct answer is (c) Dullness. Metals typically exhibit a shiny appearance (lustre) and are therefore not dull. Properties like electrical conduction, being sonorous (producing a ringing sound when struck), and ductility (ability to be drawn into wires) are characteristic properties generally shown by metals.

Question 2

The ability of metals to be drawn into thin wire is known as:
  1. ductility
  2. malleability
  3. sonorousity
  4. conductivity
Solution: The correct answer is (a) ductility. Ductility is the physical property of a metal that allows it to be stretched or drawn into a thin wire without breaking. Malleability refers to the ability to be hammered or pressed into thin sheets. Sonorousity is the ability to produce sound when struck, and conductivity refers to the ability to conduct heat or electricity.

Question 3

Aluminium is used for making cooking utensils. Which of the following properties of aluminium are responsible for the same?
  1. Good thermal conductivity
  2. Good electrical conductivity
  3. Ductility
  4. High melting point
Which combination of the above properties is correct?
  1. (i) and (ii)
  2. (i) and (iii)
  3. (ii) and (iii)
  4. (i) and (iv)
Solution: The correct answer is (d) (i) and (iv). Aluminium is used for making cooking utensils primarily because of its good thermal conductivity, which allows heat to be transferred efficiently for cooking, and its high melting point, which means it can withstand high temperatures without melting. While aluminium is ductile and a good electrical conductor, these properties are not the main reasons for its use in cookware. Ductility is more relevant for making wires, and electrical conductivity is important for electrical appliances.

Question 4

Which one of the following metals do not react with cold as well as hot water?
  1. Na
  2. Ca
  3. Mg
  4. Fe
Solution: The correct answer is (d) Fe (Iron). Sodium (Na) and Calcium (Ca) react vigorously with cold water. Magnesium (Mg) reacts with hot water to produce magnesium hydroxide and hydrogen gas. Iron (Fe) is less reactive and does not react with cold or hot water; however, it does react with steam at high temperatures to form iron oxide and hydrogen gas.

Question 5

Which of the following oxide(s) of iron would be obtained on prolonged reaction of iron with steam?
  1. FeO
  2. Fe2O3
  3. Fe3O4
  4. Fe2O3 and Fe3O4
Solution: The correct answer is (c) Fe3O4. When iron reacts with steam at high temperatures over a prolonged period, it forms iron(II,III) oxide, which has the chemical formula Fe3O4. This reaction can be represented by the equation:

3\text{Fe} + 4\text{H}_2\text{O} \quad \rightarrow \quad \text{Fe}_3\text{O}4 + 4\text{H}_2

This oxide is also known as magnetite.

Question 6

What happens when calcium is treated with water?
  1. It does not react with water
  2. It reacts violently with water
  3. It reacts less violently with water
  4. Bubbles of hydrogen gas formed stick to the surface of calcium
Which combination of the above statements is correct?
  1. (i) and (iv)
  2. (ii) and (iii)
  3. (i) and (ii)
  4. (iii) and (iv)
Solution: The correct answer is (d) (iii) and (iv). Calcium reacts with water, but its reaction is less violent compared to alkali metals like sodium. The reaction produces calcium hydroxide and hydrogen gas. The equation is: Ca + 2H_2O \rightarrow Ca(OH)_2 + H_2. The bubbles of hydrogen gas produced often stick to the surface of the calcium metal, causing it to become buoyant and float on the water surface.

Common mistakes

  • Confusing malleability and ductility.
  • Incorrectly associating electrical conductivity with suitability for cooking utensils.
  • Misunderstanding the reactivity series of metals with water and steam.
  • Forgetting that iron reacts with steam but not cold or hot water.

Revision tips

  • Focus on memorizing the definitions of key properties like ductility and malleability.
  • Pay close attention to the reactivity of metals with water and steam, and the conditions under which they react.
  • Understand the chemical equations provided for reactions, especially the reaction of iron with steam.
  • Review the reasons why specific metals are chosen for particular applications.

Practice MCQs

Q1. Which of the following properties is generally NOT exhibited by metals?

Q2. The characteristic property of metals that allows them to be drawn into thin wires is known as:

Q3. Aluminium is commonly used for making cooking utensils. Which of the following properties of aluminium are primarily responsible for this application?

Q4. Which of the following metals will NOT react with either cold water or hot water?

Q5. When iron is reacted with steam for a prolonged period, which oxide of iron is predominantly obtained?

Q6. Consider the reaction of calcium with water. Which of the following statements accurately describe this reaction?

Frequently asked questions

What are the key properties of metals discussed in this chapter?

This chapter focuses on properties like electrical and thermal conductivity, sonorous nature, ductility (ability to be drawn into wires), malleability (ability to be hammered into sheets), and their general lack of dullness.

How do metals like sodium, calcium, magnesium, and iron react with water?

Sodium and calcium react vigorously with cold water. Magnesium reacts with hot water. Iron does not react with cold or hot water but reacts with steam at high temperatures.

Why is aluminium suitable for making cooking utensils?

Aluminium is used for cooking utensils due to its good thermal conductivity, which allows for efficient heat transfer, and its high melting point, which ensures it doesn't melt easily during cooking.

What is the difference between ductility and malleability?

Ductility is the ability of a metal to be drawn into thin wires, while malleability is the ability of a metal to be hammered or pressed into thin sheets without breaking.

What is the product when iron reacts with steam?

When iron reacts with steam for a prolonged period, iron(II,III) oxide (Fe3O4) is obtained, along with hydrogen gas.

How can these NCERT Solutions help in exam preparation?

These solutions provide clear, step-by-step explanations for each question, helping students understand the concepts, recall important properties and reactions, and practice problem-solving techniques essential for exams.

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