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

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NCERT Solutions PDF Class 8 PDF

CBSE Class 8 Science Chapter 4, Metals and Non-metals, delves into the fundamental differences between these two crucial categories of elements. This chapter explores their distinct physical and chemical properties, including how they conduct heat and electricity, their malleability, and ductility. The NCERT Solutions offer clear, concise explanations for why substances behave as metals or non-metals, making complex concepts accessible. It also introduces important ideas like the reactivity series and displacement reactions, providing students with a solid understanding of chemical behavior. These solutions are crafted to enhance learning, simplify revision, and build a strong foundation in chemistry for Class 8 students, ensuring they are well-prepared for examinations.

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Quick info

BoardCBSE
ClassClass 8
SubjectScience
Session2026
LanguageEnglish
TypeNCERT Solutions
ChapterChapter 4

Chapter summary

Chapter 4 of the CBSE Class 8 Science curriculum delves into the properties and distinctions between metals and non-metals. The NCERT Solutions for this chapter provide clear explanations for concepts like malleability, ductility, conductivity, and reactivity. It addresses common misconceptions and clarifies the chemical behavior of these elements through the exercise questions, offering a solid understanding of their characteristics and applications.

Learning outcomes

  • Identify the physical properties that differentiate metals from non-metals.
  • Understand the concepts of malleability and ductility.
  • Explain the difference in electrical and thermal conductivity between metals and non-metals.
  • Recognize the reactivity patterns of metals and non-metals with acids.
  • Distinguish between metals and non-metals based on given properties.

Topics covered

Paper topics

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

Important topics

  • Physical properties of metals and non-metals
  • Malleability and Ductility
  • Conductivity of heat and electricity
  • Reactivity of metals with acids
  • Comparison table of metals and non-metals

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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: Zinc can be beaten into thin sheets. This property is called malleability, which is characteristic of metals. Phosphorus, sulphur, and oxygen are non-metals and do not exhibit this property; they are brittle or gases and would break or shatter if 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 that generally, metals are ductile. Ductility is the property of a substance to be drawn into wires. While most metals exhibit this property, there are exceptions. For instance, mercury is a metal that is liquid at room temperature and cannot be drawn into wires. Non-metals, on the other hand, are typically brittle and cannot be drawn into wires.

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 can ignite spontaneously in air.
  2. Metals are good conductors of heat and electricity. Their atomic structure allows for the free movement of electrons, facilitating the transfer of thermal and electrical energy.
  3. Iron is more reactive than copper. In the reactivity series of metals, iron is placed above copper, indicating that it can displace copper from its salt solutions.
  4. Metals react with acids to produce Hydrogen gas. This reaction typically forms a salt and releases hydrogen gas, which can be identified by a 'pop' sound when a burning matchstick is brought near it.

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) Non-metals generally do not react with acids. Metals are the ones that typically react with acids to produce hydrogen gas.
  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) Copper is less reactive than zinc. 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 form of carbon, which is a non-metal. Non-metals are generally brittle and cannot be drawn into wires; they are non-ductile.

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 Generally soft (except diamond)
Malleability Malleable (can be beaten into sheets) Non-malleable (brittle, break 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.
  • Assuming all metals are ductile or all non-metals are ductile.
  • Incorrectly predicting displacement reactions based on reactivity.
  • Generalizing properties of metals and non-metals without considering exceptions (like mercury).

Revision tips

  • Focus on the definitions and examples of malleability and ductility.
  • Create a table comparing the properties of metals and non-metals.
  • Review the reactivity of common metals and non-metals.
  • Practice identifying metals and non-metals based on their characteristics.
  • Understand why certain statements about metals and non-metals are true or false.

Practice MCQs

Q1. Which property allows a metal to be hammered into thin sheets?

Q2. Which of the following is generally NOT a property of non-metals?

Q3. Which metal is liquid at room temperature?

Q4. When metals react with acids, what gas is usually produced?

Q5. Which statement about ductility is generally true?

Frequently asked questions

What are the key differences between metals and non-metals covered in Class 8 Science Chapter 4?

Chapter 4 focuses on distinguishing metals and non-metals based on properties like appearance, hardness, malleability, ductility, and their ability to conduct heat and electricity. It also touches upon their reactivity with acids.

How do these NCERT Solutions help with exam preparation?

These solutions provide clear, rewritten answers to all exercise questions, explaining the concepts behind each answer. This helps students understand the 'why' behind the facts, reinforcing their knowledge for exams.

What is malleability and ductility?

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

Do all metals react with acids?

Generally, metals react with acids to produce hydrogen gas. However, the reactivity varies among metals, and some may react slowly or not at all under certain conditions.

Can non-metals be beaten into sheets or drawn into wires?

No, non-metals are typically brittle and cannot be beaten into sheets (non-malleable) or drawn into wires (non-ductile). They tend to break when subjected to such forces.

Important links

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