CBSE Class 8 Science Chapter 4: Materials: Metals and Non-Metals NCERT Solutions

Reviewed by · Updated on

NCERT Solutions PDF Class 8 PDF

This chapter delves into the fundamental properties and characteristics of metals and non-metals, crucial for Class 8 Science students. The NCERT Solutions provide clear explanations and step-by-step answers to the exercises. Key concepts covered include malleability, ductility, conductivity, and reactivity. Students will learn to distinguish between metals and non-metals based on these properties, understand their reactions with acids, and identify common examples. These solutions are designed to reinforce learning, clarify doubts, and aid students in their exam preparation by offering accurate and easy-to-understand explanations for each question.

Home

Quick info

BoardCBSE
ClassClass 8
SubjectScience
Session2026
LanguageEnglish
TypeNCERT Solutions
ChapterChapter 4: Materials: Metals and Non-Metals

Chapter summary

Chapter 4 of the Class 8 Science NCERT Solutions focuses on differentiating between metals and non-metals. It covers their physical properties like appearance, hardness, malleability, ductility, and conductivity. The solutions also explain the chemical properties, such as their reactions with acids and their relative reactivity. This chapter helps students build a foundational understanding of material science through clear definitions and illustrative examples.

Learning outcomes

  • Understand the physical properties of metals and non-metals.
  • Distinguish between metals and non-metals based on properties like malleability and ductility.
  • Explain the concept of reactivity series with examples.
  • Identify the products of reactions between metals and acids.
  • Differentiate between metals and non-metals using a comparison table.

Topics covered

Paper topics

  • Properties of Metals
  • Properties of Non-metals
  • Malleability
  • Ductility
  • Reactivity of Metals
  • Reactions of Metals with Acids
  • Comparison of Metals and Non-metals
  • Conductivity (Heat and Electricity)

Important topics

  • Distinguishing Metals and Non-metals
  • Malleability and Ductility
  • Reactivity Series
  • Reaction of Metals with Acids
  • Conductivity of Metals and Non-metals

PDF preview

Read page by page below. PDF is streamed from the official NCERT website — no download button on this page.

Loading document …
Page of
Loading page …

Questions and Solutions

Question 1

Which of the following substances can be beaten into thin sheets?
  1. Zinc
  2. Phosphorus
  3. Sulphur
  4. Oxygen
Solution: The correct option is (a) Zinc. Metals possess a property called malleability, which allows them to be hammered or beaten into thin sheets without breaking. Zinc is a metal, and therefore, it exhibits this property. Phosphorus, Sulphur, and Oxygen are non-metals, which are generally brittle and break when hammered.

Question 2

Which of the following statements is correct regarding ductility?
  1. All metals are ductile.
  2. All non-metals are ductile.
  3. Generally, metals are ductile.
  4. Some non-metals are ductile.
Solution: The correct statement is (c) Generally, metals are ductile. Ductility is the property of a substance to be drawn into wires. While most metals are ductile, there are exceptions. For instance, mercury is a metal that is liquid at room temperature and cannot be drawn into wires. Non-metals are typically not ductile.

Question 3

Fill in the blanks:
  1. Phosphorus is a very _____ non-metal.
  2. Metals are _____ conductors of heat and _____.
  3. Iron is _____ reactive than copper.
  4. Metals react with acids to produce _____ gas.
Solution:
  1. Phosphorus is a very reactive non-metal. It reacts vigorously with oxygen and needs to be stored under water.
  2. Metals are good conductors of heat and electricity. This is due to the presence of free electrons that can easily move and transfer energy.
  3. Iron is more reactive than copper. In the reactivity series of metals, iron is placed above copper, indicating its higher reactivity.
  4. Metals react with acids to produce Hydrogen gas. This reaction typically forms a salt and releases hydrogen gas.

Question 4

Mark 'T' if the statement is true and 'F' if it is false:
  1. Generally, non-metals react with acids. ( )
  2. Sodium is a very reactive metal. ( )
  3. Copper displaces zinc from zinc sulphate solution. ( )
  4. Coal can be drawn into wires. ( )
Solution:
  1. Generally, non-metals react with acids. (F) Generally, metals react with acids to produce hydrogen gas. Non-metals usually do not react with acids.
  2. Sodium is a very reactive metal. (T) Sodium is an alkali metal and is known for its high reactivity. It reacts vigorously with water and air.
  3. Copper displaces zinc from zinc sulphate solution. (F) Zinc is more reactive than copper. According to the reactivity series, a more reactive metal can displace a less reactive metal from its salt solution. Therefore, copper cannot displace zinc from zinc sulphate solution.
  4. Coal can be drawn into wires. (F) Coal is a non-metal. Non-metals are generally brittle and cannot be drawn into wires; they lack ductility.

Question 5

Some properties are listed in the following table. Distinguish between metals and non-metals on the basis of these properties:

Properties | Metals | Non-metals

  1. Appearance
  2. Hardness
  3. Malleability
  4. Ductility
  5. Heat Conduction
  6. Conduction of Electricity
Solution: Here is a distinction between metals and non-metals based on the given properties:
Property Metals Non-metals
Appearance Generally lustrous (shiny) Generally dull (not shiny)
Hardness Generally hard (exceptions: Sodium, Potassium) Generally soft (exceptions: Diamond)
Malleability Malleable (can be beaten into sheets) Brittle (break easily when hammered)
Ductility Ductile (can be drawn into wires) Non-ductile (cannot be drawn into wires)
Heat Conduction Good conductors of heat Poor conductors of heat (insulators)
Conduction of Electricity Good conductors of electricity Poor conductors of electricity (insulators)

Common mistakes

  • Confusing malleability and ductility.
  • Incorrectly assuming all metals are ductile or all non-metals are non-ductile.
  • Misunderstanding the reactivity of metals and their ability to displace others.
  • Generalizing properties of metals and non-metals without considering exceptions (e.g., mercury).

Revision tips

  • Create flashcards for the properties of metals and non-metals.
  • Draw the comparison table from Question 5 from memory.
  • Practice identifying metals and non-metals based on their given properties.
  • Review the reactivity series to understand displacement reactions.

Practice MCQs

Q1. Which of the following properties allows a metal to be hammered into thin sheets?

Q2. Which element is a non-metal but is known to be very reactive?

Q3. Generally, metals are good conductors of:

Q4. Which of the following reactions correctly describes metals reacting with acids?

Q5. Why can copper not displace zinc from zinc sulphate solution?

Frequently asked questions

What is the main difference between metals and non-metals discussed in this chapter?

This chapter focuses on distinguishing metals and non-metals based on their physical properties like appearance, hardness, malleability, ductility, and conductivity, as well as their chemical reactivity, particularly with acids.

Can you explain malleability and ductility?

Malleability is the ability of a metal to be hammered into thin sheets, while ductility is the ability of a metal to be drawn into wires. Both are characteristic properties of metals.

How do metals react with acids?

Generally, metals react with acids to produce a salt and hydrogen gas. For example, Zinc reacts with hydrochloric acid to form zinc chloride and hydrogen gas.

Are there any exceptions to the general properties of metals?

Yes, for example, mercury is a metal that is liquid at room temperature and is therefore not ductile. Also, some non-metals can exhibit certain metallic properties, but generally, the distinction holds.

How can these NCERT solutions help in exam preparation?

These solutions provide clear, step-by-step explanations for each exercise question, helping students understand the concepts thoroughly and revise the chapter effectively for their exams.

Important links

Content reviewed by the NCERT Help team. Editorial Team and update policy

NCERT Solutions PDF PDF on NCERT Help. URL unchanged for search indexing.