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3 Metals and Non-Metals

Introduction

There are 118 chemical elements known at present. On the basis of their properties, all these elements can
be broadly divided into two main groups: Metals and Non-Metals. A majority of the known elements are
metals. All the metals are solids, except mercury, which is a liquid metal at room temperature. There are
11 non-metals gases at room temperature, one non-metal (bromine) is a liquid and the remaining are solids.

Properties of Metals and Nonmetals

The metals are placed on the left hand side and in the centre of the periodic table. On the other hand, the
nonmetals are placed on the right hand side of the periodic table. This has been shown in the figure. It may
be noted that hydrogen (H) is an exception because it is non-metal but is placed on the left hand side of
the periodic table. Metals and non-metals are separated from each other in the periodic table by a zig-zag
line. The elements close to zig-zag line show properties of both the metals and the non-metals. They show
some properties of metals and some properties of non-metals. These are called metalloids. The common
examples of metalloids are boron (B), silicon (Si), germanium (Ge), arsenic (As), antimony (Sb), tellurium
(Te) and polonium (Po).

Metalloids

B
Si Non-
Ge As metals
Sb Te
Metals Po

Fig. Position of metals, non-metals and

metalloids in the periodic table.

In general, the metallic character decreases on going from left to right side in the periodic table.
However, on going down the group, the metallic character increases.

NOTE: The elements at the extreme left of the periodic table are most metallic and those on the right are
least metallic or non-metallic.

(a) Electronic Configuration of Metals:

The atoms of metals have 1 to 3 electrons in their outermost shells. For example, all the alkali
metals have one electron in their outermost shells (lithium -2, 1 ; sodium-2, 8, 1; potassium-2, 8, 8,
1 etc.).
Sodium, magnesium and aluminium are metals having 1, 2 and 3 electrons respectively in their
valence shells. Similarly, other metals have 1 to 3 electrons in their outermost shells.
It may be noted that hydrogen and helium are exception because hydrogen is a non-metal having
only 1 electron in the outermost shell (K shell) of its atom and helium is also a non-metal having 2
electrons in the outermost shell (K shell).

Metals and Non-Metals 79

(b) Physical Properties of Metals:
The important physical properties of metals are discussed below:
(i) Metals are solids at room temperature:
All metals (except mercury) are solids at room temperature.

NOTE: Mercury is a liquid at room temperature.

(ii) Metals are malleable: Metals are generally malleable. Malleability means that the metals can be
beaten with a hammer into very thin sheets without breaking. Gold and silver are among the
best malleable metals. Aluminium and copper are also highly malleable metals.
(iii) Metals are ductile: It means that metals can be drawn (stretched) into thin wires. Gold and
silver are the most ductile metals. Copper and aluminium are also very ductile and therefore,
these can be drawn into thin wires which are used in electrical wiring.
(iv) Metals are good conductors of heat and electricity: All metals are good conductors of heat. The
conduction of heat is called thermal conductivity. Silver is the best conductor of heat. Copper
and aluminium are also good conductors of heat and therefore, they are used for making
household utensils. Lead is the poorest conductor of heat. Mercury metal is also a good
conductor of heat.
Metals are also good conductors of electricity. The electrical and thermal conductivities of
metals are due to the presence of free electrons in them. Among all the metals, silver is the
best conductor of electricity. Copper and aluminium are the next best conductors of electricity.
Since silver is expensive, copper and aluminium are commonly used for making electric wires.

NOTE: Silver is best conductor of heat and electricity.

(v) Metals are lustrous and can be polished: Most of the metals have shine and they can be polished.
The shining appearance of metals is also known as metallic lustre. For example, gold, silver and
copper metals have metallic lustre.
Activity:
To demonstrate action of air, moisture and other gases on the metal surface.
Take a piece of Magnesium ribbon, Aluminium wire and a sheet of Copper and note their
appearance. Now rub the surface of each metal with a sand paper and observe their appearance
again. You will observe that the metal articles, which had a dull appearance, become bright on
rubbing. This can be explained as follows:
When a metal has been kept exposed to air for a long time, its appearance becomes dull as it loses
most of its shine or brightness. This is due to formation of a thin layer of oxide, hydroxide, carbonate
or sulphide of the metal by slow action of the moisture and gases present in the air with the metal.
This process of deposition of a layer of metal oxides or other such metal compounds is termed as
corrosion of metal. For example, the surface of aluminium on exposure to air is covered with a thin
layer of aluminium oxide which prevents further reaction between aluminium underneath and air.
Similarly, copper is coated with a green layer when kept in moist air due to formation of Basic copper
carbonate while silver articles acquire blackish colour due to formation of silver sulphide on its
surface.
On rubbing the dull metal surface with a sand paper, the outer corroded layer can be removed
and the metal surface again becomes lustrous and bright.

80 Metals and Non-Metals

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(vi) Metals have high densities: Most of the metals are heavy and have high densities. For example, the
density of mercury metal is very high (13.6 g cm–3). However, there are some exceptions. Sodium,
potassium, magnesium and aluminium have low densities. Densities of metals are generally
proportional to their atomic masses.

(vii) Metals are hard: Most of the metals are hard. But all metals are not equally hard. Metals like
iron, copper, aluminium etc. are quite hard. They cannot be cut with a knife. Sodium and
potassium are common exceptions which are soft and can be easily cut with a knife.

(viii) Metals have high melting and boiling points: Most of the metals (except Na, K, Rb, Cs, Ga) have
high melting and boiling points.

NOTE: Tungsten has highest melting point among all the metals.

(ix) Metals are rigid: Most of the metals are rigid and they have high tensile strength.
(x) Metals are sonorous: Most of the metals are sonorous i.e, they make sound when hit with an object.

Difference between the physical properties of metals & nonmetals

Physical
Metals Non -Metals
Properties
State Metals are solids at room The non-metals are either solids or
temperature. gases at room temperature.
Exception: Mercury (Hg) is a liquid at Exception: Bromine is a liquid at room
room temperature. temperature.
Lustre Metals are generally lustrous, i.e., Non-metals generally do not have any
they have a shining surface and can lustre, dull in appearance.
be polished, e.g., gold, silver, copper, e.g. sulphur and phosphorus
etc., Exception: Iodine has a lustrous
appearance.
Melting and Metals have generally high melting Non-metals have low melting points
Boiling points and boiling points, e.g., the and boiling points.
Points melting point of iron is 1535° C. Exceptions: Carbon and silicon, which
Exceptions: Sodium, potassium and have high melting points and boiling
gallium have low melting points. points.
The melting point of gallium is so low
that it occurs in liquid state at
temperature slightly above room
temperature.
Density Metals have high densities, i.e., they Non-metals have low densities. i.e.,
are heavy, e.g., the density of they are light substances. For
mercury is 13.6 gm/cm 3
which is example, the density of sulphur is
quite high. 2g/cm3, which is quite low.
Exceptions: Sodium, potassium, Exception: The density of diamond (an

Metals and Non-Metals 81

 calcium and magnesium which are allotropic form of carbon) is high.
light-weight metals. Sodium and
potassium are so light that they can
float on water.
Ductility Metals are ductile, i.e., they can be Non-metals are non-ductile, i.e., they
drawn into thin wires. Gold and silver cannot be drawn into thin wires, e.g.,
are the best ductile metals. Other sulphur and phosphorus when
examples are copper and aluminium stretched do not form wires but break
which can be drawn into wires and are into pieces.
used in electrical wiring.
Malleability Metals are generally malleable, i.e., Non-metals are not malleable but
they can be beaten into thin sheets brittle, i.e., when beaten with a
with a hammer, e.g., silver foils are hammer, they break into pieces.
used for decorative purposes on
sweets.
Conduction Metals are good conductors of heat Non-metals are generally bad
and electricity. Silver is the best conductors of heat and centricity, e.g.,
conductor of heat and electricity the non-metals like sulphur,
whereas lead is the poorest phosphorus, etc., do not conduct heat
conductor of heat. Metals are good and electricity.
conductors of electricity because Exception: Graphite (an allotropic
they contain free electrons to form of carbon) is a good conductor
conduct electricity. of electricity.
Hardness Metals are hard (except sodium and Non-metals are generally soft except,
potassium which are soft metals) diamond (an allotropic form of
but not brittle. Sodium and carbon) which is the hardest
potassium are so soft that they can substance known.
be cut with a knife.
Sonority Metals are said to be sonorous, i.e., Non-metals are not sonorous.
they make a noise when they are hit
with an object.

(c) Electronic Configuration of Non-Metals:

The atoms of non-metals have usually 4 to 8 electrons in their outermost shells. For example,
Carbon (At. No. 6), Nitrogen (At. No. 7), Oxygen (At. No. 8), Fluorine (At. No. 9) and Neon (At. No. 10)
have respectively 4,5,6,7,8 electrons in their outermost shells.

(d) Physical Properties of Non-Metals:

The important physical properties of non-metals are listed below:
(i) Non-metals are brittle.
(ii) Non-metals are not ductile.
(iii) Non-metals are bad conductor of heat and electricity. (Exception: Graphite is a good conductor
because of the presence of free electrons).

82 Metals and Non-Metals

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(iv) Non-metals are not lustrous and cannot be polished. (Exception: Graphite and Iodine are lustrous
nonmetals).
(v) Non-metals may be solid, liquid, or gases at room temperature.
(vi) Non-metals are generally soft. (Exception: Diamond, an allotropic form of non-metal Carbon, is
the hardest natural substance known).
(vii) Non-metals have generally low melting and boiling points. (Exception: Graphite, another
allotropic form of Carbon, has a melting point of about 3730°C).
(viii) Non-metals have low densities. (Exception: Iodine has high density).

NOTE: Graphite is a good conductor of electricity, lustrous and has very high melting point.

(e) Chemical Properties of Metals:

The atoms of the metals have usually 1, 2 or 3 electrons in their outermost shells. These outermost
electrons are loosely held by their nuclei. Therefore, the metal atoms can easily lose their outermost
electrons to form positively charged ions. For example, sodium metal can lose outermost one
electron to form positively charged ion, Na+. After losing the outermost electron, it gets stable
electronic configuration of the noble gas (Ne: 2, 8). Similarly, magnesium can lose two outermost
electrons to form Mg2+ ion and aluminium can lose its three outermost electrons to form Al3+ ion.

Na ⎯⎯
→ Na+ + e–
(2, 8, 1) (2, 8)
Mg ⎯⎯
→ Mg2+ + 2e–
(2, 8, 2) (2, 8)
Al ⎯⎯
→ Al3+ + 3e–
(2, 8, 3) (2, 8)

NOTE: The metal atoms lose electrons and form positively charged ions, therefore, the metals are called
electropositive elements.

Some of the important chemical properties of metals are discussed below:

(i) Reaction with oxygen:
Metals react with oxygen to form oxides. These oxides are basic in nature. For example, sodium
metal reacts with oxygen from the air and form sodium oxide.

4Na(s) + O2(g) ⎯⎯
→ 2Na2O(s)
Sodium oxide
Sodium oxide reacts with water to form an alkali called sodium hydroxide. Therefore, sodium oxide
is a basic oxide.

Na2O(s) + H2O() ⎯⎯
→ 2NaOH(aq)
Sodium hydroxide
Due to the formation of sodium hydroxide (which is an alkali), the solution of sodium oxide in water
turns red litmus blue (common property of all alkaline solutions).
NOTE: When metal oxides are dissolved in water, they give alkaline solutions.
Similarly, magnesium is a metal and it reacts with oxygen to form magnesium oxide. However,
magnesium is less reactive than sodium and therefore, heat is required for the reaction.
2Mg(s) + O2(g) ⎯⎯⎯
Heat
→ 2MgO(s)
Magnesium oxide
Thus, when a metal combines with oxygen, it its valence electrons and forms positively charged
metal ion. We can say that oxidation of metal takes place.

Metals and Non-Metals 83

 Reactivity of metals towards oxygen
All metals do not react with oxygen with equal ease. The reactivity of oxygen depends upon the
nature of the metal. Some metals react with oxygen even at room temperature, some react on
heating while still others react only on strong heating. For example:
(A) Metals like sodium, potassium and calcium react with oxygen even at room temperature to form
their oxides.
4Na(s) + O2 (g) ⎯→ 2Na2O(s)
Sodium Oxygen Sodium oxide
4K(s) + O2(g) ⎯→ 2K2O(s)
Potassium Oxygen Potassium oxide
2Ca(s) + O2(g) ⎯→ 2CaO(s)
Calcium Oxygen Calcium oxide
(B) Metals like magnesium do not react with oxygen at room temperature. They burn in air on heating
to form corresponding oxides.
2Mg(s) + O2(g) ⎯→ 2MgO(s)
Magnesium Oxygen Magnesium oxide
(C) Metals like zinc do not react with oxygen at room temperature. They burn in air only on strong
heating to form corresponding oxides.
2Zn(s) + O2(g) ⎯→ 2ZnO(s)
Zinc Oxygen Zinc oxide
(D) Metals like iron and copper do not burn in air even on strong heating. However, they react with
oxygen only on prolonged heating.
3Fe(s) + 2O2(g) ⎯→ Fe3O4(s)
Iron Oxygen Iron (II, III) oxide
2Cu(s) + O2(g) ⎯→ 2CuO(s)
Copper Oxygen Copper (II) oxide
(ii) Reaction with water:
Metals react with water to form metal oxide or metal hydroxide and hydrogen. The reactivity of
metals towards water depends upon the nature of the metals. Some metals react even with cold
water, some react with water only on heating while there are some metals which do not react even
with steam. For example,
(A) Sodium and potassium metals react vigorously with cold water to form their respective
hydroxides and hydrogen gas is liberated.
2Na(s) + 2H2O() ⎯→ 2NaOH (aq) + H2(g)
Sodium Cold water Sodium Hydrogen
hydroxide
2K (s) + 2H2O() ⎯→ 2KOH (aq) + H2 (g)
Potassium Cold water Potassium Hydrogen
hydroxide
NOTE: The reaction between sodium and water is so violent that the hydrogen evolved catches fire.
(B) Calcium reacts with cold water to form calcium hydroxide and hydrogen gas. The reaction is less
violent.
Ca(s) + 2H2O() ⎯→ Ca(OH)2(aq) + H2 (g)
Calcium Cold water Calcium hydroxide Hydrogen

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(C) Magnesium reacts very slowly with cold water but reacts rapidly with hot boiling water forming
magnesium oxide and hydrogen.
Mg (s) + H2O() ⎯→ MgO(s) + H2(g)
Magnesium Boiling Magnesium
water oxide
(D) Metals like zinc and aluminium react only with steam to form their respective oxides and hydrogen.
Zn (s) + H2O(g) ⎯→ ZnO (s) + H2(g)
Zinc Steam Zinc oxide
2Al (s) + 3H2O (g) ⎯→ Al2O3(s) + 3H2(g)
Aluminium Steam Aluminium
oxide
(E) Iron metal does not react with water under ordinary conditions. The reaction occurs only when
steam is passed over red hot iron and the products are iron (II, III) oxide and hydrogen.
3Fe(s) + 4H2O(g) ⎯→ Fe3O4(s) + 4H2(g)
Iron Steam Iron (II, III) Hydrogen
(Red hot) oxide
(F) Metals like copper, silver and gold do not react with water even under strong conditions. The
order of reactivities of different metals with water is:
Na > Mg > Zn > Fe > Cu
Reactivity with water decreases in the above order.
(iii) Reaction with dilute acids:
Many metals react with dilute acids and liberate hydrogen gas. Only less reactive metals such as
copper, silver, gold etc. do not liberate hydrogen from dilute acids. The reactions of metals with
dilute hydrochloric acid (HCl) and dilute sulphuric acid (H2SO4) are similar. With dil. HCl, they give
metal chlorides and hydrogen whereas with dil. H2SO4, they give metal sulphates and hydrogen.

NOTE: Dilute nitric acid (HNO3) is an oxidising agent which oxidises metals, but does not produce hydrogen.
But Mg & Mn produce hydrogen on reacting with dilute HNO 3.
The reactivity of different metals is different with the same acid. For example:
(A) Sodium, magnesium and calcium react violently with dilute hydrochloric acid (HCl) or dilute
sulphuric acid (H2SO4) liberating hydrogen gas and corresponding metal salt.
2Na(s) + 2HCl (aq) ⎯→ 2NaCl(aq) + H2(g)
Sodium Hydrochloric Sodium Hydrogen
acid chloride
2Na(s) + H2SO4(aq) ⎯→ Na2SO4 (aq) + H2(g)
Sodium Sulphuric Sodium Hydrogen
acid sulphate
Similarly,
Mg (s) + 2HCl (aq) ⎯→ MgCl2(aq) + H2(g)
Magnesium Hydrochloric Magnesium Hydrogen
acid chloride
Mg(s) + H2SO4 (aq) ⎯→ MgSO4(aq) + H2(g)
Magnesium Sulphuric Magnesium Hydrogen
acid sulphate
(B) Aluminium and zinc react with dilute hydrochloric acid (HCl) or dilute sulphuric acid (H 2SO4)
liberating hydrogen gas and corresponding metal salt.
2Al(s) + 6HCl (aq) ⎯→ 2AlCl3(aq) + 3H2(g)
Aluminium Hydrochloric Aluminium Hydrogen
acid chloride

Metals and Non-Metals 85

 2Al(s) + 3H2SO4(aq) ⎯→ Al2(SO4)3(aq) + 3H2(g)
Aluminium Sulphuric Aluminium Hydrogen
Acid sulphate
Zn(s) + 2HCl (aq) ⎯→ ZnCl2(aq) + H2(g)
Zinc Hydrochloric Zinc Hydrogen
acid chloride
Zn(s) + H2SO4(aq) ⎯→ ZnSO4 (aq) + H2(g)
Zinc Sulphuric Zinc Hydrogen
acid sulphate
(C) Iron reacts slowly with dilute HCl or dil. H2SO4 and therefore, it is less reactive than zinc and
aluminium.
Fe(s) + 2HCl(aq) ⎯→ FeCl2(aq) + H2(g)
Iron Hydrochloric Ferrous Hydrogen
acid chloride
Fe(s) + H2SO4(aq) ⎯→ FeSO4(aq) + H2(g)
Iron Sulphuric Ferrous Hydrogen
acid sulphate
(D) Copper does not react with dil. HCl or dil H2SO4.
Cu(s) + HCl (aq) ⎯→ No reaction
Cu(s) + H2SO4(aq) ⎯→ No reaction
Therefore, copper is even less reactive than iron.
The order of reactivity of different metals with dilute acid:
Na > Mg > Al > Zn > Fe > Cu
Reactivity with dilute acids decreases from sodium to copper.

(iv) Reactions of metals with salt solutions:

When a more reactive metal is placed in a salt solution of less reactive metal, then the more reactive
metal displaces the less reactive metal from its salt solution. For example, we will take a solution
of copper sulphate (blue coloured solution) and put a strip of zinc metal in the solution. It is
observed that the blue colour of copper sulphate fades gradually and copper metal is deposited on
the zinc strip. This means that the following reaction occurs:

Zn(s) + CuSO4(aq) ⎯→ ZnSO4(aq) + Cu(s)

Zinc Copper Zinc sulphate (Colourless solution) Copper
sulphate
(Blue solution)
Here, zinc displaces copper from its salt solution.
However, if we take zinc sulphate solution and put a strip of copper metal in this solution, no
reaction occurs.
ZnSO4 (aq) + Cu(s) ⎯→ No reaction
Zinc Copper
sulphate
This means that copper cannot displace zinc metal from its solution. Thus, we can conclude that
zinc is more reactive than copper. However, if we put gold or platinum strip in the copper sulphate
solution, then copper is not displaced by gold or platinum. Thus, gold and platinum are least
reactive.

86 Metals and Non-Metals

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Reactivity Series Of Metals
(a) Introduction:
We have learnt that some metals are chemically very reactive while others are less reactive or do
not react at all. On the basis of reactivity of different metals with oxygen, water and acids as well
as displacement reactions, the metals have been arranged in the decreasing order of their
reactivities.
The arrangement of metals in order of decreasing reactivities is called reactivity series or activity
series of metals. The activity series of some common metals is given in Table. In this table, the
most reactive metal is placed at the top whereas the least reactive metal is placed at the bottom.
As we go down the series the chemical reactivity of metals decreases.

(b) Reasons for Different Reactivities:

In the activity series of metals, the basis of reactivity is the tendency of metals to lose electrons. If
a metal can lose electrons easily to form positive ions, it will react readily with other substances.
Therefore, it will be a reactive metal. On the other hand, if a metal loses electrons less readily to
form a positive ion, it will react slowly with the other substances. Therefore, such a metal will be
less reactive. For example, alkali metals such as sodium and potassium lose electrons very readily
to form alkali metal ions, therefore, they are very reactive.
(c) Displacement of Hydrogen from Acids by Metals:
All metals above hydrogen in the reactivity series (i.e. more active than hydrogen) like zinc, magnesium,
nickel etc. can liberate hydrogen from acids like HCl and H2SO4. These metals have greater tendency
to lose electrons than hydrogen. Therefore, the H+ ions in the acids will accept electrons and give
hydrogen gas as:
M ⎯→ M+ (aq) + e–
Metal
H+ (aq) + e– ⎯→ H
(From acid)
H + H ⎯→ H2 

Metals and Non-Metals 87

 The metals which are below hydrogen in the reactivity series (i.e. less reactive than hydrogen) like
copper, silver, gold cannot liberate hydrogen from acids like HCl, H2SO4 etc. These metals have
lesser tendency to lose electrons than hydrogen. Therefore, they cannot give electrons to H + ions.

(d) Reactivity Series and Displacement Reactions:

The reactivity series can also explain displacement reactions. In general, a more reactive metal
(placed higher in the activity series) can displace the less reactive metal from its salt solution. For
example, zinc, displaces copper from its salt solution.
Zn (s) + CuSO4 (aq) ⎯→ ZnSO4(aq) + Cu(s)

(e) Usefulness of Activity Series:

The activity series is very useful and it gives the following informations:
(i) The metal which is higher in the activity series is more reactive than the others. Lithium is the
most reactive and platinum is the least reactive metal.
(ii) The metals which have been placed above hydrogen are more reactive than hydrogen and these
can displace hydrogen from its compounds like water and acids to liberate hydrogen gas.
(iii) The metals which are placed below hydrogen are less reactive than hydrogen and these cannot
displace hydrogen from its compounds like water and acids.
(iv) A more reactive metal (placed higher in the activity series) can displace the less reactive metal
from its salt solution.
(v) Metals at the top of the series are very reactive and, therefore, they do not occur free in nature.
The metals at the bottom of the series are least reactive and, therefore, they normally occur
free in nature. For example, gold, present in the reactivity series is found in free state in nature.

(f) Chemical Properties of Non-metals:

Non-metals usually have 4 to 8 electrons in the outermost shells. They have the tendency to accept
electrons to complete their octets. By accepting the electrons, they form negatively charged ions
and, therefore, they are electronegative elements. For example, nitrogen, oxygen and fluorine can
accept 3, 2 and 1 electrons respectively to complete their octets as:
N + 3e– ⎯→ N3– gains 3 electrons
O + 2e –
⎯→ O 2–
gains 2 electrons
F+e –
⎯→ F –
gains 1 electron
Some of the important properties of non-metals are discussed below:
(i) Reaction of non-metals with oxygen:
Non-metals react with oxygen to form acidic or neutral oxides. These oxides are covalent in
nature and are formed by sharing of electrons. The acidic oxides dissolve in water to give acids.
Acidic oxides
The oxides of carbon, sulphur, phosphorus etc., are acidic and therefore, they turn blue litmus
solution red. For example:
(i) Carbon reacts with oxygen of air to form carbon dioxide.
C (s) + O2(g) ⎯→ CO2(g)
Carbon Carbon dioxide
Carbon dioxide dissolves in water to form an acid called carbonic acid.
CO2 (g) + H2O (l) ⎯→ H2CO3 (aq)
Carbonic acid
(an acid)

88 Metals and Non-Metals

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(ii) Sulphur burns in air to give sulphur dioxide.
S (s) + O2(g) ⎯→ SO2 (g)
Sulphur dioxide
Sulphur dioxide dissolves in water to form an acid called sulphurous acid.
SO2 (g) + H2O (l) ⎯→ H2SO3 (aq)
Sulphurous acid
Sulphur also forms an oxide, sulphur trioxide, which dissolves in water to give sulphuric acid.
(iii) When phosphorus is burnt in air, it reacts with oxygen of air to form phosphorus pentoxide
(P2O5). This is also an acidic oxide and dissolves in water to give an acid, phosphoric acid.

P4 (s) + 5O2(g) ⎯→ 2P2O5 (s)

Phosphorous pentoxide
P2O5 (s) + 3H2O (l) ⎯→ 2H3PO4 (aq)
Phosphoric acid
Phosphorus also forms an oxide, phosphorus trioxide, which dissolves in water to give
phosphorous acid.
P4 (s) + 3O2(g) ⎯→ 2P2O3 (s)
Phosphorous trioxide
P2O3 (s) + 3H2O (l) ⎯→ 2H3PO3 (aq)
Phosphorous acid
The acidic oxides of non-metals neutralise bases to form salt and water. For example,
SO2 + 2NaOH ⎯→ Na2SO3 + H2O
Sodium sulphite
Neutral Oxides
Some oxides of non-metals are neutral. For example, carbon monoxide (CO), nitric oxide (NO),
nitrous oxide (N2O), water (H2O) etc.
For example:
2C (s) + O2 (g) ⎯→ 2CO (g)
Carbon monoxide
(Neutral oxide)
2H2 (g) + O2 (g) ⎯→ 2H2O (l)
Water
(Neutral oxide)
These oxides do not turn blue litmus solution red.

(ii) Reaction with hydrogen:

Non-metals react with hydrogen under different conditions to form corresponding covalent
hydrides. For example, H2O, H2S, NH3, HCl, CH4 etc., are common hydrides of oxygen, sulphur,
nitrogen, chlorine and carbon respectively.
2H2(g) + O2(g) ⎯⎯⎯→
Electric
spark
2H2O(l)

H2(g) + S(s) ⎯⎯⎯

715K
→ H2S(g)

N2(g) + 3H2(g) ⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯

Fe/ Mo,775K
200 atm
→ 2NH3(g)

H2(g) + Cl2(g) ⎯⎯⎯⎯

Diffused
sunlight
→ 2HCl(g)

Metals and Non-Metals 89

 (iii) Reaction of non-metals with water: Non-metals do not react with water or steam to give hydrogen
gas. This is because non-metals cannot give electrons to reduce the hydrogen ions of water into
hydrogen gas.
(iv) Reaction with acids: Non-metals do not react with dilute acids and therefore, hydrogen gas is
not liberated when non-metals are treated with dilute acids. Therefore, non-metals do not
displace hydrogen from dilute acids. For example, carbon, sulphur or phosphorus do not react
with dilute acids such as dil HCl or dil H2SO4 to produce hydrogen gas. We have seen that
hydrogen can only be displaced from dilute acids if electrons are supplied to H + ions of the
acids.
H2SO4 (aq) ⎯→ 2H+ (aq) + SO42– (aq)
2H+ (aq) + 2e– ⎯→ H2 (g)
But the non-metals are electron acceptors and, therefore, they cannot give electron to H+ ions
of an acid. Hence, hydrogen gas is not liberated.
(v) Reaction with chlorine: Non-metals react with chlorine to form covalent chlorides such as HCl,
PCl3, CCl4 etc. For example,
H2 (g) + Cl2 (g) ⎯⎯⎯⎯
Diffused
sunlight
→ 2HCl(g)

Hydrogen chloride
(vi) Reaction with salt solution:
A more reactive non-metal displaces a less reactive non-metal from its salt. For example, when
chlorine is passed through a solution of sodium bromide, then bromine is liberated.
2NaBr (aq) + Cl2 ⎯→ 2NaCl (aq) + Br2
Sodium chloride
However, bromine cannot displace chlorine from its salt solution.
2NaCl (aq) + Br2 ⎯→ No reaction.
Therefore, chlorine is a more reactive non-metal than bromine.
Comparison of reactivities of halogens is: F > Cl > Br > I
Comparison of the Chemical Properties of Metals & Non Metals
Chemical Properties Metals Non-Metals
1. Nature of oxides Metals form basic oxides, Non-metals form acidic or
some are amphoteric also. neutral oxides.
2. Displacement of hydrogen Metals displace hydrogen Non-metals do not displace
form acids from acids and form salts. hydrogen from acids.
3. Reaction with hydrogen With hydrogen, only a few Non-metals react with Cl2 to
metals combine to form form covalent chlorides.
electrovalent hydrides.
4. Reaction with hydrogen With hydrogen, only a few With hydrogen, non-metals form
metals combine to form many stable hydrides which are
electrovalent hydrides. covalent.
5. Electropositive or Metals are electropositive Non-metals are electronegative
electronegative character in nature. in nature.
6. Oxidising and reducing Metals act as reducing Non-
agent character agents.
7. Oxidising and reducing Metals act as reducing Non-metals act as oxidising
agent character agents. agents.

90 Metals and Non-Metals

`
Solved Examples

Example 1: Write the equation of chemical reaction of zinc metal with the following-
(a) H2SO4 (b) H2O (c) O2
Solution: (a) Zn + H2SO4 → ZnSO4 + H2(g)
(b) Zn + 2H2O → ZnO + H2(g)
(c) 2Zn + O2 → 2ZnO

Example 2: What would you observe when you put:

(i) Some zinc pieces in blue copper sulphate solution?
(ii) Some copper pieces in green ferrous sulphate solution?
Solution: (i) Zn + CuSO4 (aq) → ZnSO4 + Cu(s)
Blue Zinc sulphate
(colourless)
(ii) Cu + FeSO4 (aq) → CuSO4 (aq) + Fe(s)
Green Blue

Concept Builders - 1

(i) Name a gas which is always produced when a reactive metal reacts with a dilute acid. Write a chemical
equation.
(ii) Arrange the metals in the decreasing order of reactivity.
Mg, Na, Cu, Ag, Pb
(iii) Which metal reacts with water in the form of Steam?

Ionic Bond and Its Properties

How do Metals React With Non-Metals?

Octet Rule: Octet rule was given by G.N. Lewis and W. Kossel in 1916.
According to octet rule “an atom whose outermost shell contains 8 electrons (octet) is stable.”
This rule, however, does not hold good in case of certain small atoms like helium (He) in which
presence of 2 electrons (duplet) in the outermost shell is considered to be the condition of stability.
Examples of elements whose atoms have fully filled or 8 electrons in their outermost shell are –

No. of
Atomic Electronic
Element Symbol valence
Number configuration
electrons
Neon Ne 10 2, 8 8
Argon Ar 18 2, 8, 8 8
Krypton Kr 36 2,8,18,8 8

NOTE: All noble gases contain 8 valence electrons (except He in which 2 valence electrons are present)
and are stable. They do not usually form bonds with other elements.

Metals and Non-Metals 91

 Atoms combine with one another to achieve the inert gas electron arrangement and become stable.
Atoms form chemical bonds to achieve stability by acquiring the inert gas configuration or by
completing their octet or duplet (in case of small atoms) in outermost shell. An atom can achieve
the inert gas electron arrangement in three ways -
(i) by losing one or more electrons. (ii) by gaining one or more electrons. (iii) by sharing one or more
electrons.

NOTE: Noble gases do not usually form bonds with other elements, because they are stable. So, atoms of
elements have the tendency to combine with one another to achieve the inert gas configuration.

Concept Of Bond
Except the elements of group 18 of the periodic table all the elements of the remaining group, at normal
temperature and pressure, are not stable in independent state. These elements form stable compounds
either by combining with the other atoms or with their own atoms. When in gross electronic
configuration of the elements there are 8 electrons present then these elements do not take part in the
chemical reaction because atoms containing 8 electrons in their outermost shell are associated with
extra stability and less energy.
Atoms with other electronic configuration, which do not contain eight electrons in their outermost
shell, are unstable and to achieve the stability they chemically combine in such a manner that they
achieve eight electrons in their outermost shell.
Two or more than two types of atoms mutually combine with each other to achieve stable
configuration of eight valence electrons. Attempt to achieve eight electrons in the outermost orbit
of an element is the reason behind its chemical reactivity or chemical bonding.

Ionic Or Electrovalent Bond

This bond is formed by the atoms of electropositive and electronegative elements. Electropositive
elements lose electrons in chemical reaction and electronegative elements gain electrons in
chemical reaction. When an atom of electropositive element come in contact with that of an
electronegative element then the electropositive atom loses electron & becomes positively charged,
while the electronegative atom gains the electron to become negatively charged. Electrostatic force
of attraction works between the positively and negatively charged ions due to which both ions are
bonded with each other. As a result, a chemical bond is produced between the ions, forming Ionic
or Electrovalent compound.

NOTE: Number of electrons donated or accepted by any element is called Electrovalency.

In an ionic compound every cation is surrounded by a fixed number of anions and every anion is
surrounded by a fixed number of cations and they are bonded in a fixed geometry in a three dimensional
structure.
Example: Sodium chloride compound.
Sodium atom (Electropositive element) by losing an electron from its outermost orbit, gets
converted into a cation and attains noble gas like stable configuration.
Energy required for this process is called “ionization energy.”
•

Na + IE ⎯→ Na+ + e–
(2, 8, 1) (2, 8)

92 Metals and Non-Metals

`
Chlorine atom (Electronegative element) accepts the electron donated by sodium atom in its
outermost orbit and forms chloride anion.
In this process energy is released which is known as “electron affinity.”
l e– ⎯→ l –
EA
( 8 ) ( 8 8)

Due to the opposite charges on the Na+ and Cl¯ ions, they are bonded by electrostatic force of
attraction to form NaCl compound.:
Na+ + Cl– ⎯→ [Na] [:Cl:]– or NaCl
:

Here electrovalency of sodium and chlorine atom is one.

For the formation of ionic bond, it is necessary that the ionization energy of electropositive element
should be less and the electron affinity of electronegative element should be high .
(a) Properties of Ionic Compounds:
(i) Ionic compounds consist of ions: All ionic compounds consist of positively and negatively
charged ions and not molecules. For example, sodium chloride consists of Na + and Cl– ions,
magnesium fluoride consists of Mg2+ and F– ions and so on.
(ii) Physical nature: Ionic compounds are solid and relatively hard due to strong electrostatic
force of attraction between the ions of ionic compound.
(iii) Crystal structure: X-ray studies have shown that ionic compounds do not exist as simple
single molecules as Na+Cl–. This is due to the fact that the forces of attraction are not
restricted to single unit such as Na+ and Cl– but due to uniform electric field around an ion,
each ion is attracted to a large number of other ions. For example, one Na + ion will not
attract only one Cl– ion but it can attract as many negative charges as it can. Similarly, the
Cl– ion will attract several Na+ ions. As a result, there is a regular arrangement of these ions
in three dimensions as shown in diagram. Such a regular arrangements is called crystal
lattice.

= Na+ ion = Cl– ion

Lattice structure of Sodium chloride

(iv) Melting point and boiling point: Strong electrostatic force of attraction is present between
ions of opposite charges. To break the crystal lattice more energy is required so their melting
points and boiling points are high.
(v) Solubility: Ionic compounds are generally soluble in polar solvents like water and insoluble
in non – polar solvents like carbon tetrachloride, benzene, ether, alcohol etc.
(vi) Brittle nature: Ionic compounds on applying external force or pressure are broken into small
pieces, such substances are known as brittle and this property is known as brittleness. When
external force is applied on the ionic compound, layers of ions slide over one another and
particles of the same charge come near to each other as a result due to the strong repulsion
force, crystals of compounds are broken.

Brittle nature of ionic compounds

Metals and Non-Metals 93

 (vii) Electrical conductivity: Electrical conductivity in any substance is due to the movement of
free electrons or ions. In metals electrical conductivity is due to the free movement of
valency electrons. An ionic compound exhibits electrical conductivity due to the movement
of ions either in the fused state or in the soluble state in the polar solvent. But in the solid
state due to strong electrostatic force of attraction free ions are absent so they are insulator
in the solid state.

Solved Examples
Example 3: What is the name of the bond formed when a metal atom combines with the atoms of a
nonmetal?
Solution: Ionic bond.

Example 4: Why does Molten NaCl conduct electricity?

Solution: Due to the movement of ions in the fused state.

Example 5: The electronic configuration of an element ‘E’ (Z = 16) is 2, 8, 6, will it lose six electron or
gain two electrons?
Solution: It will gain two electrons.

Concept Builders - 2

(i) Why ionic compounds show electrical conductivity in fused or soluble state?
(ii) Why ionic compounds have high melting and boiling points?

Metallurgy
(A) Occurence Of Metals
All metals are present in the earth’s crust either in the free state or in the form of their compounds.
Aluminium is the most abundant metal in the earth’s crust. The second most abundant metal is
iron and third one is calcium.
(a) Native and Combined States of Metals: Metals occur in the crust of earth in the following two states-
(i) Native state or free state: A metal is said to occur in a free or a native state when it is found in
the crust of the earth in the elementary or uncombined form.
The metals which are very unreactive (lying at the bottom of activity series) are found in the free
state. These have no tendency to react with oxygen and are not attacked by moisture, carbon
dioxide of air or other non-metals. Silver, copper, gold and platinum are some examples of such
metals.
(ii) Combined state: A metal is said to occur in a combined state if it is found in nature in the form
of its compounds. e.g. Sodium, magnesium etc.

NOTE: Copper and silver are metals which occur in the free state asz well as in the combined state.

94 Metals and Non-Metals

`
(B) Minerals And Ores
The natural substances in which metals or their compounds occur either in native state or combined
state are called minerals.
The minerals are not pure and contain different types of other impurities. The impurities associated
with minerals are collectively known as gangue or matrix.
The mineral from which the metal can be conveniently and profitably extracted, is called an ore.
For example aluminium occurs in the earth’s crust in the form of two minerals bauxite (Al 2O3.2H2O)
and clay (Al2O3.2SiO2.2H2O). Out of these two, aluminium can be conveniently and profitably
extracted from bauxite . So, bauxite is an ore of aluminium.
Note: Oxygen is the most abundant element in earth’s crust.
(a) Types of Ores:
The most common ores of metals are oxides, sulphides, carbonates, sulphates, halides, etc. In
general, very unreactive metals (such as gold, silver, platinum etc.) occur in elemental form or
free state.
(i) Metals which are only slightly reactive occur as sulphides (e.g., CuS, PbS etc.).
(ii) Reactive metals occur as oxides (e.g., MnO2, Al2O3 etc.).
(iii) Most reactive metals occur as salts as carbonates, sulphates, halides etc. (e.g., Ca, Mg, K etc.).

Some common ores are listed in the table

Nature of Metal Name of the ore Composition
ore
Aluminium Bauxite Al2O3.2H2O
Copper Cuprite Cu2O
Oxide ores
Magnetite Fe3O4
Iron
Haematite Fe2O3
Copper pyrites CuFeS2
Copper
Copper glance Cu2S
Sulphide
Zinc Zinc blende ZnS
Ores
Lead Galena PbS
Mercury Cinnabar HgS
Carbonate Calcium Limestone CaCO3
Ores Zinc Calamine ZnCO3
Sodium Rock salt NaCl
Halide Magnesium Carnallite KCl.MgCl2.6H2O
ores Calcium Fluorspar CaF2
Silver Horn silver AgCl
Calcium Gypsum CaSO4.2H2O
Sulphate Magnesium Epsom salt MgSO4.7H2O
ores Barium Barytes BaSO4
Lead Anglesite PbSO4

Metals and Non-Metals 95

(C) Metallurgy
The process of extracting metals from their ores and then refining them for use is called metallurgy.
The ores generally contain unwanted impurities such as sand, stone, earthy particles, limestone,
mica etc., these are called gangue or matrix.
The process of metallurgy depends upon the nature of the ore, nature of the metal and the types
of impurities present. Therefore, there is not a single method for the extraction of all metals.
However, most of the metals can be extracted by a general procedure which involves the following
steps.
Various steps involved in metallurgical processes are -
(a) Crushing and grinding of the ore.
(b) Concentration of the ore or enrichment of the ore.
(c) Extraction of metal from the concentrated ore.
(d) Refining or purification of the impure metal.
These steps are briefly discussed below -
(a) Crushing and Grinding of Ore:
Most of the ores occur as big rocks in nature. They are broken into small pieces with the help
of crushers. These pieces are then reduced to fine powder with the help of a ball mill or a stamp
mill.
Lumps of ore

Crushed one

Stamp

Crushed ore Pulverised

ore

(A) Crushing in a hammer mill (B) Pulverisation in a stamp mill

Crushing and pulverisation of an ore

(b) Concentration of Ore or Enrichment of Ore:

The process of removal of unwanted impurities (gangue) from the ore is called ore concentration
or ore enrichment.
(i) Hydraulic washing (washing with water):
Principle: This method is based upon the difference in the densities of the ore particles and
the impurities (gangue) e.g. Oxide ores, carbonate ores, sulphate ores.
Ores of iron, tin and lead are very heavy and, therefore, they are concentrated by this method.

96 Metals and Non-Metals

`

A hydraulic classifier

(ii) Froth floatation process:

Principle: This method is based on the principle of difference in the wetting properties of
the ore and gangue particles with oil and water respectively.
This method is commonly used for sulphide ores.

(iii) Magnetic separation:

Principle: This method depends upon the difference in the magnetic properties of the ores
and gangue.
This method is used for the concentration of haematite, an ore of iron.

NOTE: The froth floatation process is commonly used for the sulphide ores of copper, zinc, lead etc.

Metals and Non-Metals 97

(D) Extraction Of Metal From The Concentrated Ore
Metal is extracted from the concentrated ore by the following steps:
(a) Conversion of the concentrated ore into its oxide:
The production of metal from the concentrated ore mainly involves reduction process. This can be
usually done by two processes known as calcination and roasting . The method depends upon the nature
of the ore.
These are briefly discussed below:
(i) Calcination: It is the process of heating the concentrated ore in the absence of air.
The calcination process is used for the following changes:
• to convert carbonate ores into metal oxide.
• to remove water from the hydrated ores.
• to remove volatile impurities from the ore.
For example:
ZnCO3(s) ⎯⎯⎯⎯→
Calcination
ZnO(s) + CO2(g)
Calamine Zinc oxide Carbon dioxide
FeCO3(s) ⎯⎯⎯⎯→
Calcination
FeO(s) + CO2(g)
Siderite Iron (II) Carbondioxide
Oxide

(ii) Roasting: It is the process of heating the concentrated ore strongly in the presence of excess
air. This process is used for converting sulphide ores to metal oxide. In this process, the following
changes take place:
• the sulphide ores undergo oxidation to their oxides.
• moisture is removed.
• volatile impurities are removed.
For example:
3O2(g) ⎯⎯⎯⎯
→ 2ZnO(s)
Roasting
2ZnS(s) + + 2SO2(g)
Zinc Oxygen Zinc oxide Sulphur
sulphide (from air) dioxide
(Zinc blende)
4FeS2(s) + 11O2(g) ⎯⎯⎯⎯
→ 2Fe2O3(s) + 8SO2(g)
Roasting

Iron Oxygen Ferric Sulphur

pyrites oxide dioxide

NOTE: Calcination is used for hydrated and carbonate ores and roasting is used for sulphide ores.

(b) Conversion of Metal Oxide into Metal:

The metal oxide formed after calcination or roasting is converted into metal by reduction. The
method used for reduction of metal oxide depends upon the nature and chemical reactivity of metal.
The metals can be grouped into the following three categories on the basis of their reactivity:
• Metals of low reactivity.
• Metals of medium reactivity.
• Metals of high reactivity.
These different categories of metals are extracted by different techniques. The different steps
involved in separation are as follows:

98 Metals and Non-Metals

`
(i) Reduction by heating: Metals placed low in the reactivity series are very less reactive. They can
be obtained from their oxides by simply heating in air.

+ 3O2(g) ⎯⎯⎯⎯
→ 2HgO(s)
Roasting
2HgS(s) + 2SO2(g)
Mercuric Oxygen Mercuric Sulphur
sulphide oxide dioxide
2HgO(s) ⎯⎯⎯
→ 2Hg()
Heat
+ O2(g)
Mercuric Mercury metal Oxygen
oxide
(ii) Chemical Reduction (For metals in the middle of the reactivity series):
The metals in the middle of the reactivity series, such as iron, zinc, lead, copper etc. are
moderately reactive. These are usually present as sulphides or carbonates. Therefore, before
reduction the metal sulphides and carbonates must be converted to oxides. This is done by
roasting and calcination. The oxides of these metals cannot be reduced by heating alone.
Therefore, these metal oxides are reduced to free metal by using chemical agents like carbon,
aluminium, sodium or calcium.
(A) Reduction with carbon: The oxides of moderately reactive metals (occurring in the middle
of reactivity series) like zinc, copper, nickel, tin, lead etc. can be reduced by using carbon as
reducing agent.
C(s) ⎯⎯⎯
→ Heat
ZnO(s) + Zn (s) + CO(g)
Zinc Carbon Zinc Carbon
oxide (Reducing agent) monoxide
Fe2O3(s) + 3C(s) ⎯⎯
→ 2Fe(s) + 3CO(g)
Ferric Carbon Iron Carbon
Oxide monoxide
PbO(s) + C(s) ⎯⎯
→ Pb(s) + CO(g)
Lead oxide Carbon Lead
Carbon
monoxide
One disadvantage of using carbon as reducing agent is that small traces of carbon are added
to metal as impurity. Therefore, it contaminates the metals.

NOTE: Coke is very commonly used as a reducing agent because it is cheap.

(B) Reduction with carbon monoxide: Metals can be obtained from oxides by reduction with
carbon monoxide in the furnace.
Fe2O3(s) + 3CO(g) ⎯⎯⎯
Heat
→ 2Fe(s) + 3CO2(g)
Ferric Carbon Iron Carbon
Oxide monoxide dioxide
(C) Reduction with aluminium: Certain metal oxides are reduced by aluminium to metals.
3MnO2 (s) + 4Al(s) ⎯⎯⎯
Heat
→ 3Mn() + 2Al2O3 (s)
Manganese Aluminium Manganese Aluminium
dioxide oxide
Cr2O3 (s) + 2Al (s) ⎯⎯⎯
Heat
→ 2Cr() + Al2O3 (s)
Chromium Aluminium Chromium Aluminium
oxide oxide
Fe2O3 (s) + 2Al (s) ⎯⎯⎯
Heat
→ 2Fe() + Al2O3 (s)
Iron Aluminium Iron Aluminium
oxide oxide

Metals and Non-Metals 99

NOTE: Reduction of metal oxides with aluminium is known as aluminothermy or thermite process.

(iii) Reduction by electrolysis or electrolytic reduction: The oxides of active metals (which are high
up in the activity series) are very stable and cannot be reduced by carbon or aluminium. These
metals are commonly extracted by the electrolysis of their fused salts using suitable electrodes.
This is also called electrolytic reduction i.e. reduction by electrolysis.
For example, aluminium oxide is very stable and aluminium cannot be prepared by reduction
with carbon. It is prepared by the electrolysis of molten alumina (Al 2O3).

Al3+ + 3e– ⎯⎯⎯

Heat
→ Al

Aluminiumion Electrons Aluminium

(From molten (From cathode) (At cathode)
alumina)
It may be noted that during electrolytic reduction of molten salts, the metals are always
obtained at the cathode (negative electrode).

NOTE: The process of extraction of metals by electrolysis process is called electrometallurgy.

(E) Purification Or Refining Of Metals

The metal obtained by any of the above methods is usually impure and is known as crude metal.
The process of purifying the crude metal is called refining.
Electrolytic Refining:
This is most general and widely used method for the refining of impure metals. Many metals such
as copper, zinc, tin, nickel, silver, gold etc. are refined electrolytically. It is based upon the
phenomenon of electrolysis. In this method, the crude metal is cast into thick rods and are made
as anodes, while the thin sheets of pure metal are made as cathodes. An aqueous solution of salt
of the same metal is used as an electrolyte. On passing current through the electrolyte, the pure
metal from the anode dissolves into the electrolyte. An equivalent amount of pure metal from the
electrolyte is deposited on the cathode. The soluble impurities go in the solution whereas the
insoluble impurities settle down at the bottom of the anode and are known as anode mud. In this
way, the pure metal from anode goes into electrolyte and from electrolyte it goes to the cathode.
Oxidation
At anode: Cu ⎯⎯⎯⎯→ Cu+2 + 2e–
Copper Copper
(from impure anode) ion
Reduction
At cathode: Cu2+ + 2e– ⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯ → Cu
Copper Copper
Ion (deposited at cathode)

100 Metals and Non-Metals

`
NOTE: 1. In electrolytic refining impure metal is made anode and pure metal is made cathode.
2. Zone refining and Van Arkel method are used for obtaining metals (Si, Ge etc.) of very high purity
for certain specific applications.

Solved Examples

Example 6: A is an element which is amongest Cu, Zn, Al, and Fe. It shows following properties:
(a) A2O3 is not affected by water
(b) It Forms two chloride ACl2 and ACl3. Identify A ?
Solution: → Iron
→ Iron will form FeCl2 & FeCl3

Example 7: What happens when cinnabar is heated in air ?

Solution: 2 HgS + O2 → 2 HgO + SO2

Example 8: Which method is used for refining of volatile metals ?

Solution: Distillation method used for volatile metals like Zn, Cd, Hg.

Concept Builders - 3

(i) Define the term refining of metals.

(ii) Name a method for obtaining metals of very high purity.
(iii) How is aluminium obtained from aluminium oxide?

Corrosion Of Metals, Alloys And Amalgam

(a) CORROSION OF METALS
Surface of many metals is easily attacked when exposed to atmosphere. They react with air or water
present in the environment and form undesirable compounds on their surfaces. These undesirable
compounds are generally oxides.
Thus, corrosion is a process of deterioration of metal as a result of its reaction with air or water
(present in environment) surrounding it.
(a) Corrosion of Iron:
Iron corrodes readily when exposed to moisture and gets covered with a brown flaky substance
called rust. This is also called Rusting of Iron. Chemically, the rust is hydrated iron (III) oxide,
Fe2O3.xH2O. Rusting is an oxidation process in which iron metal is slowly oxidized by the action
of air (in presence of water). Therefore, rusting of iron takes place under the following
conditions:
• Presence of air (or oxygen)
• Presence of water (moisture)
• More the reactivity of the metal, the more will be the possibility of the metal getting corroded.
(i) Experiment to show that rusting of iron requires both air and water-
We take three test tubes and put one clean iron nail in each of the three test tubes:
(A) In the first test tube containing iron nail, we put some anhydrous calcium chloride to
absorb water (or moisture) from the damp air present in the test tube and make it dry.

Metals and Non-Metals 101

 (B) In the second test tube containing iron nail, we put boiled water. Boiled water does not
contain any dissolved air or oxygen in it. A layer of oil is put over boiled water in the test
tube to prevent the outside air from mixing with boiled water.
(C) In the third test tube containing an iron nail, we put unboiled water so that about two-
third of the nail is immersed in water and the rest is above water exposed to damp air.
After one week, we observe the iron nails kept in all the three test tubes.

Rusting of iron
(ii) We will obtain the following observations from the experiment:
(A) No rust is seen on the surface of iron nail kept in dry air in the first test tube. This tells
us that rusting of iron does not takes place in air alone.
(B) No rust is seen on the surface of iron nail kept in air free boiled water in the second test
tube. This tells us that rusting of iron does not take place in water alone.
(C) Red brown rust is seen on the surface of iron nail kept in the presence of both air and
water in the third test tube. This tells us that rusting of iron takes place in the presence
of both air and water together.
(iii) Prevention of rusting:
(A) Corrosion of metals can be prevented by coating the metal surface with a thin layer of
paint, varnish or grease.
(B) Iron is protected from rusting by coating it with a thin layer of another metal which is
more reactive than iron. This prevents the loss of electrons from iron because the active
metal loses electrons in preference to iron. Zinc is commonly used for covering surface
of iron. The process of covering iron with zinc is called galvanization. Iron is also coated
with other metals such as tin known as tin coating.
(C) By alloying: Some metals when alloyed with other metals become more resistant to
corrosion. For example, when iron is alloyed with chromium and nickel, it forms stainless
steel. This is resistant to corrosion and does not rust at all.
(D) To decrease rusting of iron, certain antirust solutions are used. For example, solutions
of alkaline phosphates are used as antirust solutions.
(b) Corrosion of Aluminium:
Due to the formation of a dull layer of aluminium oxide when exposed to moist air, the aluminium
metal loses its shine very soon after use. This aluminium oxide layer is very tough and prevents
the metal underneath from further corrosion (because moist air is not able to pass through this
aluminium oxide layer). This means sometimes corrosion is useful.

102 Metals and Non-Metals

`
(c) Corrosion of Copper:
When a copper object remains in damp air for a considerable time, then copper reacts slowly
with carbon dioxide and water of air to form a green coating of basic copper carbonate
[CuCO3.Cu(OH)2] on the surface of the object. Since copper metal is low in the reactivity series,
the corrosion of copper metal is very, very slow.

(d) Corrosion of Silver:

Silver is a highly unreactive metal, so it does not reacts with oxygen of air easily. But, air usually
contains a little of sulphur compounds such as hydrogen sulphide gas (H2S), which reacts slowly
with silver to form a black coating of silver sulphide (Ag2S). Silver ornaments gradually turn black
due to the formation of a thin silver sulphide layer on their surface and silver is said to be
tarnished.

(b) ALLOY
An alloy is a homogenous mixture of two or more metals or a metal and a non-metal.
For example, iron is the most widely used metal. But it is never used in the pure form. This is
because iron is very soft and stretches easily when hot. But when it is mixed with a small amount
of carbon (about 0.5 to 1.5%), it becomes hard and strong. The new form of iron is called steel.
(a) Objectives of Alloy Making:
Alloys are generally prepared to have certain specific properties which are not possessed by the
constituent metals. The main objects of alloy-making are:
(i) To increase resistance to corrosion: For example, stainless steel is prepared which has more
resistance to corrosion than iron.
(ii) To modify chemical reactivity: The chemical reactivity of sodium is decreased by making an
alloy with mercury which is known as sodium amalgam.
(iii) To increase the hardness: Steel, an alloy of iron and carbon is harder than iron.
(iv) To increase tensile strength: Magnalium is an alloy of magnesium and aluminium. It has
greater tensile strength as compared to magnesium and aluminium.
(v) To produce good casting: Type metal is an alloy of lead, tin and antimony.
(vi) To lower the melting point: For example, solder is an alloy of lead and tin (50% Pb and 50%
Sn). It has a low melting point and is used for welding electrical wires together.

Composition, Properties and uses of some alloys of copper:

Alloy Composition Properties and Uses

Brass Cu (60–80%) Brass is used for decoration purposes, for making many
Zn (20–40%) scientific instruments, telescopes, microscopes,
barometers etc.
Bronze Cu (75–90%), For making statues, cooking utensils and conins.
Sn (10–25%)
German Cu (30–60%) It is silvery white as silver, malleable and ductile. It is
silver Zn (25–35%) used as imitation silver, in making omaments and
utensils and also for decoration.
Gun metal Cu (88%) It is used for making gears and bearings, and gun barrels.
Sn (10%), Zn (2%)
Bell metal Cu (80%), Sn (20%) It is used for casting bells.

Metals and Non-Metals 103

 Composition, Properties And Uses Of Some Important Alloys Of Iron:

Alloy Composition Properties and Uses

Stainless Fe (74%) Properties: Stainless steel is hard, tenacious and corrosion
steel Cr (18%) resistant.
Ni (8%) Uses: For making cutlery, utensils, ornamental pieces and
other instrument and apparatus.
Nickel steel Fe (96–98%) Properties: Nickel steel is hard, elastic and corrosion
Ni (2–4%) resistant.
Uses: For making electric wire cables, automobile and
aeroplane part, watches, armous plates, propeller shafts, etc.
Ainico Fe (60%) Properties: Highly magnetic.
Al (12%) Uses: For making permanent magnets
Ni (20-%)
Co (8%)

Composition, Properties And Uses Of Some Important Alloys Of Aluminium:

Alloy Composition Properties and Uses

Duralium Al (95%) Uses: For making aeroplane, spacecrafts, ships and pressure
or Cu (4%) cookers.
Duralumin Mg (0.5%) Properties: In strength, it is as good as steel but it is very
Mn (0.5%) light. It is hard, corrosion-resistant and highly ductile.

Magnalium Al (90–95%) Uses: For making light instruments and balance beams.
Mg (5–10%) Properties: It is hard and tough.

Composition, Properties And Uses Of Some Important Alloys Of Lead

Alloy Composition Properties and Uses

Solder Pb (50%) Properties: It has a low–melting point.
Sn (50%) Uses: Used for soldering purposes.
Type metal Pb (75–80%) Uses: For making printing type.
Sb (15–20%)
Sn (5%)

Amalgam

Amalgams are homogenous mixtures of a metal and mercury. For example, sodium amalgam
contains sodium and mercury.
Different amalgams are prepared according to their uses. For example,
(i) Sodium amalgam is produced to decrease the chemical reactivity of sodium metal. It is also
used as a good reducing agent.
(ii) Tin amalgam is used for silvering cheap mirrors.
(iii) The process of amalgamation is used for the extraction of metals like gold or silver from their
native ores.

104 Metals and Non-Metals

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Solved Examples
Example 9: Ornaments made up of gold do not get corroded. Why?
Solution: Because gold is least reactive metal.

Example 10: Iron nails are not rusted if kept in boiled distilled water for a long time. Explain.
Solution: Because Corrosion takes place in presence of air as well as water but in boiled water Oxygen
or air will not dissolve.

Concept Builders - 4

(i) How do alloys brass and bronze differ in composition?

(ii) Why do we make alloys? Give two reasons.

ANSWER KEY FOR CONCEPT BUILDER

1. (i) Hydrogen gas is produced when metal reacts with hydrogen gas.
Zn + 2HCl (aq) → ZnCl2 (aq) + H2 (g)
(ii) Na > Mg > Pb > Cu > Ag

(iii) Iron metal does not react with water under ordinary conditions. The reaction occurs only when
steam is passed over red hot iron and the products are iron (II, III) oxide and hydrogen.
3Fe(s) + 4H2O(g) ⎯→ Fe3O4(s) + 4H2(g)
Iron Steam Iron (II, III) Hydrogen
(Red hot) oxide

2. (i) Due to strong electrostatic force present between the oppositely charged ions, they are held
closer and fixed at specified positions in the crystal lattice. Hence in fused state due to the
movement of ions, ionic compounds show electrical conductivity.
(ii) Ionic compounds have high melting and boiling points because there is a strong electrostatic
force of attraction between the oppositely charged ions and hence a large amount of energy is
required to break the strong bonding force between ions.

3. (i) In metallurgy, refining consists of purifying an impure metal. It is to be distinguished from other
processes such as smelting and calcining in that those two involve a chemical change to the
raw material, whereas in refining, the final material is usually identical chemically to the original
one, only it is purer.
(ii) Zone Refining is a process which is used to refine hard metals like silicon in the purest form.
This process using metals in the rod shape and heats them on high temperature in a circular
heater fitted around the rod which leads to melting the impurities in the rod.
(iii) Aluminium ore is called bauxite. The bauxite is purified to produce aluminium oxide, a white
powder from which aluminium can be extracted. The extraction is done by electrolysis. The ions
in the aluminium oxide must be free to move so that electricity can pass through it.

4. (i) Brass is an alloy of copper and zinc. Bronze is a metal alloy consisting primarily of copper,
usually with tin as the main additive, but sometimes with other elements such as phosphorus,
manganese, aluminum, or silicon.
(ii) Alloys are made to: Enhance the hardness of a metal: An alloy is harder than its components.
Pure metals are generally soft. Alloying a metal increases the inertness of the metal, which, in
turn, increases corrosion resistance.

Metals and Non-Metals 105

 Exercise–I

Single Correct Type Questions

1. Which of the following properties is not a characteristic of metals ?

(A) Metallic lusture (B) High density
(C) Hardness (D) Low melting and boiling point

2. Which of the following metals occur in liquid state at room temperature ?

(A) Mercury (B) Bromine (C) Gallium (D) A & C both

3. When sodium reacts with cold water, then the product formed will be?
(A) Na2O (B) NaOH (C) Na2CO3 (D) All of these

4. What is the decreasing order of reactivity of the following metals?

Na, Al, K, Cu, Ag, Fe
(A) Na > K > Al > Cu > Ag > Fe (B) K > Na > Al > Cu > Fe > Ag
(C) K > Na > Al > Fe > Cu > Ag (D) K > Na > Al > Fe > Ag > Cu

5. Metals have generally how many electrons in their valence shell?

(A) 1,2 (B) 4,5,6,7 (C) 5,6,7 (D) 1,2,3

6. Exception of octet rule is

(A) K (B) Ca (C) N (D) He

7. Ionic bond is formed by

(A) loss of electrons only. (B) gain of electrons only.
(C) loss and gain of electrons both. (D) sharing of electrons.

8. During formation of ionic bond

(A) there is force of repulsion between two negative ions.
(B) there is force of repulsion between two positive ions.
(C) there is a force of attraction between positive & negative ions.
(D) None of these

9. Ionic compounds are soluble in

(A) water (B) benzene (C) ether (D) alcohol

10. Physical nature of ionic compounds is

(A) solid (B) liquid (C) gas (D) May exist in any state.

11. Removal of impurities from ore is known as

(A) crushing and grinding (B) concentration of ore
(C) minerals (D) gangue

106 Metals and Non-Metals

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12. Which of the following methods is used in the concentration of haematite ore ?
(A) Hydraulic washing (B) Magnetic separation
(C) Froth floatation process (D) None of these

13. Which of the following methods is based on the principle of the difference in the wetting properties
of the ore and gangue particles with water and oil ?
(A) Magnetic separation (B) Froth floatation process
(C) Hydraulic washing (D) None of these

14. Galvanisation is a method to protect iron from rusting by coating it with a layer of
(A) zinc (B) copper (C) chromium (D) tin

15. Anode mud is obtained in which of the following processes ?

(A) Roasting (B) Zone refining (C) Electrolytic refining (D) Calcination

16. Pure gold is equal to

(A) 24 carat (B) 100 carat (C) 22 carat (D) 1000 carat

17. Food cans are coated with tin and not with zinc because
(A) zinc is costlier than tin. (B) zinc has higher melting point than tin.
(C) zinc is more reactive than tin. (D) zinc is less reactive than tin.

18. Alloys are a homogeneous mixture of

(A) metals only (B) non -metals only
(C) metals or a metal and non-metal (D) None of these

19. An alloy which does not contain copper is

(A) magnalium (B) bronze (C) brass (D) german silver

20. Which of the following is/are an alloy of aluminium?

(A) Duralumin (B) Magnalium (C) Alnico (D) All of these

Very Short Answer Type Questions

1. A non-metal X exists in two different forms Y and Z. Y is the hardest natural substance, whereas Z
is a good conductor of electricity. Identify X, Y and Z.
2. Name a metal/non-metal
(i) Which makes iron hard and strong?
(ii) Which is alloyed with any other metal to make an amalgam?
(iii) Which is used to galvanise iron articles?
(iv) Whose articles when exposed to air form a black coating?
3. Write one example of each of
(i) a metal which is so soft that, it can be cut with a knife and a non-metal which is the hardest substance.
(ii) a metal and a non-metal which exist as liquid at room temperature.

Metals and Non-Metals 107

4. Mention the names of the metals for the following:
(i) Two metals which are alloyed with iron to make stainless steel.
(ii) Two metals which are used to make jewellery.
5. Give reason for the following:
(a) School bells are made up of metals.
(b) Electric wires are made up of copper.
6. A green layer is gradually formed on a copper plate left exposed to air for a week in a bathroom.
What could this green substance be?
7. Why does calcium float in water?
8. What happens when ZnCO3 is heated in the absence of air? Give the relevant equation.
9. Name the metal which reacts with a very dilute HNO3 to evolve hydrogen gas.
10. Name the process used for enrichment of sulphide ores?

Short Answer Type Questions

1. When a metal X is treated with cold water, it gives a basic salt Y with molecular formula XOH
(Molecular mass = 40) and liberates a gas Z which easily catches fire. Identify X, Y and Z and also
write the reaction involved.
2. Explain the following statements:
(a) Most metal oxides are insoluble in water but some of these dissolve in water. What are these
oxides and their solutions in water called?
(b) At ordinary temperature the surface of metals such as magnesium, aluminium, zinc, etc. is
covered with a thin layer. What is the composition of this layer? State its importance.
(c) Some alkali metals can be cut with a knife.
3. An element A reacts with water to form a compound B which is used in white washing. The
compound B on heating forms an oxide C which on treatment with water gives back B. Identify A, B
and C and give the reactions involved.
4. Compound X and aluminium are used to join railway tracks.
(a) Identify the compound X.
(b) Write down its reaction.
5. What is cinnabar? How is metal extracted from cinnabar? Explain briefly.
6. State three reasons for the following facts;
(i) Sulphur is non metal
(ii) Magnesium is metal
One of the reasons must be supported with a chemical equation.
7. Suggest a method of reduction for the following metals during their metallurgical processes:
(i) Metal 'A' which is one of the last, second or third position in the reactivity.
(ii) Metal 'B' which gives vigorous reaction even with water and air.
(iii) Metal ' C' which is kept in the middle of activity series.
8. A metal 'X' acquires a green colour coating on its surface on exposure to air,
(i) Identify the metal 'X' and name the process responsible for this change.
(ii) Name and write chemical formula of the green coating formed on the metal.
(iii) List two important methods to prevent the process.

108 Metals and Non-Metals

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9. Write balanced equations for the reaction of
(i) Aluminium when heated in air. Write the name of the product.
(ii) Iron with steam. Name the product obtained.
(iii) Calcium with water. Why does calcium start floating in water?
10. Draw electron dot structure of sodium oxide, aluminium fluoride and calcium nitride.

Long Answer Type Questions

1. Give the reaction involved during extraction of zinc from its ore by
(a) roasting of zinc ore
(b) calcination of zinc ore
2. (a) Differentiate between roasting and calcination. Explain the two with the help of suitable chemical
equations. How is zinc extracted from its ore?
(b) Name two metals that can be used to reduce metal oxides to metals.
3 Out of the three metals X, Y and Z. X reacts with cold water, Y with hot water and Z with steam
only. Identify X, Y and Z and also arrange them in order of increasing reactivity.
4. (a) Carbon cannot be used as reducing agent to obtain Mg from MgO. Why?
(b) How is sodium obtained from molten sodium chloride? Give equation of the reactions.
(c) How is copper obtained from its sulphide ore? Give equations of the reactions.
5. A metal (E) is stored under kerosene. When a small piece of it is left open in the air, it catches fire.
When the product formed is dissolved in water, it turns red litmus to blue.
(i) Name the metal (E).
(ii) Write the chemical equation for the reaction when it is exposed to air and when the product is
dissolved in water.
(iii) Explain the process by which the metal is obtained from its molten chloride
6. A metal 'M' which is one of the best conductors of heat and electricity used in making electric wires
is found in nature as sulphide ore M2S?
(i) Name the metal 'M'.
(ii) Which process will be suitable for extraction of this metal M from its ore M 2S ? Write the balanced
chemical reactions involved in the process of extraction.
(iii) With the help of a labelled diagram, explain the process of electrolytic refining of the metal.
7. (a) The reaction of metal (X) with ferric oxide is highly exothermic. Metal (X) is obtained from its
oxides by electrolytic reduction. Identify (X) and write its reaction with ferric oxide.
(b) Give reason to justify that aluminium oxide is an amphoteric oxide. Also, give another example
of amphoteric oxide.
(c) Mention constituent metals present in bronze.
8. No reaction takes place when granules of a solid 'A' are mixed with a powder of solid 'B'. However,
when the mixture is heated, a reaction starts with evolution of much heat. Product 'C' of the reaction
settles down as a liquid metal and solid product 'D' keeps floating over the liquid 'C'. This reaction
is sometimes used for making metals for ready use in odd places.
(i) Based on this information, make assumptions about 'A' and 'B' and corresponding deductions
about ‘ ’ and ‘D’ and write a balanced chemical equation for the reaction. Include in the chemical
equation about physical states of the reactants and products, need of heating for starting the
reaction and the reaction being exothermic.
(ii) Name two types of chemical reactions to which this reaction can belong.

Metals and Non-Metals 109

 Case Based Questions

1. Sam went to the grocery store with his mother one day. He observed that pickles, curds and other
sour things are always stored in glass or plastic containers and never in any container made of a
metal or alloy. He later found out that this is related to the chemical properties of metals as metals
react with acids.

(I) Arrange the following metals in the decreasing order of reactivity: Na, K, Cu, Ag.
(II) From dilute hydrochloric acid, zinc can liberate hydrogen gas but copper cannot.
(III) Write chemical equations that shows aluminium oxide reacts with acid as well as base.
(IV) X + YSO4 ⎯→ XSO4 + Y
Y + XSO4 ⎯→ No reaction
Out of the two elements ‘X’ and ‘Y’ which is more reactive and why?
(V) Name two metals which are found in nature in the free state.

2. Corrosion of archaeological objects, especially those made of copper or its alloys, is topic of many
studies in different fields of science. Nevertheless, corrosion is dependent on many factors so that
it is still difficult to correlate causes to effects and to understand the processes that have taken
place. This study is centered on a recent archaeological finding consisting in an ordinary vase of
pottery that contained 144 roman coins of the Empire Age. All coins are made of copper alloys (brass
and bronze). Aim of research was to identify dominant factors affecting the corrosion processes
and therefore the state of preservation of the coins. The correlation among different variables were
analysed.
(i) What is corrosion?
(ii) What are essential conditions for corrosion?
(iii) What is the formula of greenish coating on copper objects?
(iv) How can corrosion be prevented?
(v) What are alloys? How are they made? Name the constituents and uses of brass, bronze and
solder.

110 Metals and Non-Metals

`
Exercise–II

Fill in the Blanks

1. The two classifications of elements are ________ .
2. Metals can produce sound when struck, this property of metals is known as________.
3. ________ is the metal existing in liquid form at ordinary temperatures.
4. ________ is a metal which is the poorest conductor of electricity.
5. ________ is a liquid non-metal.

True and False

1. Non-metals are less dense and have low melting and boiling points.
2. Non-metals are sonorous.
3. Metal preferred for making jewellery is iron.
4. Hydrogen gas burns with a pop sound.
5. Metals react with acids and produce hydrogen gas.

Multiple Correct Type Questions

1. Which of the following alloy contains nickel?

(A) Nickel steel (B) Solder (C) Duralumin (D) Alnico

2. Removal of oxygen from oxide to obtain metal is called reduction. Different ways of reduction
are used to obtain metal. Which of the following methods can not be employed to obtain Na,
Ca and Mg?
(A) Reduction using coke (B) Reduction by heating
(C) Reduction by electrolysis (D) Reduction by iron

3. Removing gangue from ore is called concentration or enrichment. Which methods are not
employed to concentrate sulphide ores?
(A) Magnetic separation (B) Hydraulic washing
(C) Froth floatation (D) Winnowing

4. Which of the following are sulphide ores

(A) Pyrolusite (B) Galena (C) Siderite (D) Cinnabar

5. The electronic configurations of three elements X, Y and Z are X → 2, 8; Y → 2, 8, 7 and Z → 2,

8, 2. Which of the following is correct?
(A) X is a non-metal (B) Y is a metal
(C) Z is a non-metal (D) Y is a non-metal and Z is a metal

6. Name the alloys that are made from copper.

(A) Steel (B) Gold (C) Bronze (D) Brass
7. Which of the following oxides of nitrogen are neutral?
(A) NO (B) N2O3 (C) N2O (D) NO2

8. Which of the following mineral contains aluminium?

(A) Cryolite (B) Mica (C) Feldspar (D) Fluorspar

Metals and Non-Metals 111

 9. Read the following statements carefully and select the correct statements about the physical
and chemical properties of metals.
(A) All metals are ductile.
(B) Generally, metals are ductile.
© Metal which are more reactive than hydrogen react with acids to release hydrogen gas.
(D) All metals react with acids to release hydrogen gas.

10. Which of the following metals do not react with dilute sulphuric acid?
(A) Ni (B) Pt (C) Au (D) Al

Match the Column Type Questions

1. Match column A with column B and select the correct option –
Column-I (Ore) Column-II (Nature of ore)
(A) Copper glance (i) Sulphate ore
(B) Calamine (ii) Halide ore
(C) Rock salt (iii) Sulphide ore
(D) Epsom salt (iv) Carbonate ore

(A) A - (i), B - (ii), C - (iii), D - (iv) (B) A - (iv), B - (ii), C - (iii), D - (i)
(C) A - (iii), B - (iv), C - (ii), D - (i) (D) A - (iv), B - (i), C - (ii), D - (iii)

Assertion And Reason

1. Assertion (A): Phosphorous is a non-metal kept in water.
Reason (R): It catches fire if exposed to air.
(A) A and R are correct and R is the correct explanation of A
(B) A and R are correct, but R is not the correct explanation of A
(C) A is true but R is false
(D) Both A and R are false

Comprehension

1. One of the important uses of chlorine is as a disinfectant. Chlorine-based bleach is applied on

a large scale and it occurs as a result of oxidation of chlorine. About 20% of chlorine
manufactured for industrial use is used to produce bleach and disinfectants. Chlorine-based
bleach is formed when chlorine reacts with sodium hydroxide to form sodium hypochlorite. It
kills pathogens such as bacteria and viruses by breaking the chemical bonds in their molecules.
When enzymes come in contact with chlorine, one or more of the hydrogen atoms in the
molecule are replaced by chlorine. This causes the entire shape of the molecule to change.
(I) Chlorine based bleaches have
(A) chloride ions (B) hypochlorite ions
(C) nascent hydrogen (D) nascent oxygen

(II) Chlorine acts as a disinfectant by

(A) killing microbes on contract (B) poisoning microbes
(C) suppressing microbes (D) None of these

112 Metals and Non-Metals

`
HOTS

1. Refining of impure copper with zinc as impurity is to be done by electrolysis using anode and
cathode respectively as
(A) Pure Zinc, Pure Copper (B) Pure Copper, Pure Zinc
(C) Impure Copper, Pure Copper (D) Impure Zinc, Pure Zinc

2. Rekha dropped a metal piece A in the solution of another metal B. After some time a new
colourless compound C is formed. A, B, C respectively can be
(A) Cu, ZnSO4,CuSO4 (B) Mg, NaCl, MgCl2
(C) Mg, CuSO4,MgSO4 (D) Fe, ZnSO4, FeSO4

3. A compound X on heating produce a colourless gas 'Y' and metal oxide Z. The metal oxide is
yellow when hot and show white colour when it is cooled. Identify X, Y & Z:
(A) X = ZnCO3, Y = CO2, Z = ZnO (B) X = CaCO3, Y = CO2, Z = CaO
(C) X = AgNO3, Y = NO2, Z = AgO (D) X = CuSO4, Y = SO2, Z= CuO

4. Take the aluminium wire and clamp this wire on the stand and fix the pin to the free end of
wire using wax. Heat the wire with burner where it is clamped. After that we will find out that
(A) Metal will melt on heating. (B) Wax does not melt.
(C) Aluminium is good conductor of heat. (D) Aluminium oxide will be formed.

5. In the iron box, solution of metal X is placed. After some days holes appeared in the box . The
metal(s) X, may be:
(A) Cu, Zn, Ag (B) Mg, Al, Zn, Ni
(C) Sn, Pb, Ni (D) Ca, Na, Mg, Al

6. What is the correct order of the abundance of non-metal in earth's crust?

(A) Oxygen > Silicon > Sodium > Iron (B) Oxygen > Silicon > Phosphorus > Sulphur
(C) Sulphur > Phosphorus > Silicon > Oxygen (D) Iron > Aluminium > Silver > Gold

7. The alloy used for the construction of bells is

(A) tungsten steel (B) nickel steel (C) bell metal (D) duralumin

8. What is the percentage of Al2O3 in bauxite?

(A) 30 % to 70% (B) 35% TO 70 % (C) 30% TO 75% (D) 70% TO 75%

9. Potassium super oxide (KO2) is used in submarines because it

(A) produces ozone
(B) absorbs CO2 and decreases O2 concentration
(C) absorbs moisture
(D) absorbs CO2 and increase O2 concentration

10. Which alloy of aluminium is used for making aircraft

(A) Alnico (B) Y-Alloy (C) Duralumin (D) Aluminium Bronze

Metals and Non-Metals 113

 Exercise–III

Previous Year Questions

1. Out of the following the metals, that is/are sonorous is/are [IJSO-Stage-I/2009-10]
(A) Zn (B) Na (C) Hg (D) Cu

2. The order of corrosion of metals, namely aluminum, iron, tin and zinc is
[IJSO-Stage-I/2010-11]
(A) Fe > Sn > Al > Zn (B) Sn > Fe > Al > Zn
(C) Al > Zn >Fe> Sn (D) Fe > Zn > Sn > Al

3. The valencies of two elements A and B are +2 and +3 respectively. Then, the formulae of
sulphate of B and chloride of A respectively are [IJSO-Stage-I/2010-11]
(A) Ba3(SO4)2 andACl2 (B) B2(SO4)3 and ACl2
(C) BSO4 and A2Cl (D) B2SO4 and ACl

4. The metal which cannot displace hydrogen from acid is [IJSO-Stage-I/2011-12]

(A) silver (B) sodium (C) calcium (D) magnesium

5. The property which is the characteristic of an electrovalent compound is

[IJSO-Stage-I/2011-12]
(A) it is easily vapourised (B) it has a high melting point
(C) it is a weak electrolyte (D) it often exists as a liquid

6. Out of the following , the correct activity series of the metals is [IJSO-Stage-I/2011-12]
(A) K > Na > Ca > Mg (B) Na > K > Ca > Mg
(C) Mg > Ca > Na > K (D) Mg > Na > Ca > K

7. Aluminium is extracted from its oxide by [IJSO-Stage-1/2014-15]

(A) Electrolysis (B) Reduction
(C) Thermal decomposition (D) Calcination

8. Rust is a mixture of [IJSO-Stage-1/2014-15]

(A) FeO + Fe(OH)2 (B) FeO + Fe(OH)3 (C) FeO4 + Fe(OH)3 (D) Fe2O3 + Fe(OH)3

9. If a firecracker burns with emission of red colour light, which cation is it likely to contain?
[IJSO-Stage-1/2014-15]
(A) Lithium (B) Copper (C) Iron (D) Sodium

114 Metals and Non-Metals

`
10. Choose the correct sets which represent the oxides as acidic: basic: neutral: amphoteric
respectively [IJSO-Stage-I/2015-16]
(i) CO2: MgO: N2O: H2O (ii) SO2: NO: CO: AI2O3
(iii) P2O5: ZnO: NO: AI2O3 (iv) SO3: CaO: N2O: PbO
(A) i & ii (B) ii & iii (C) iii & iv (D) iv & i

11. Elements A B and have atomic numbers X X 1 and X respectively. ‘ ’ is an alkali metal.
‘A’ reacts with another element ‘Y’ to form the compound ‘AY’ ‘A’ and ‘Y’ belong to the same
group. ‘AY’ possesses an [IJSO-Stage-1/2016-17]
(A) ionic bond (B) covalent bond (C) metallic bonding (D) coordinate bond

12. 'Duralumin' is an alloy of aluminium with: [IJSO-Stage-1/2017-18]

(A) iron, manganese and magnesium (B) copper, chromium and magnesium
(C) copper, manganese and magnesium (D) iron, nickel and magnesium

13. (I) Zn + CuSO4 (aq) → Reaction occurs [IJSO-Stage-1/2017-18]

(II) Zn + Al2(SO4)3 (aq) → Reaction does not occur
(III) Zn + AgNO3 (aq) → Reaction does not occur
(IV) Zn + Pb(NO3)2(aq) → Reaction occurs
Which of the above statements is not correct?
(A) I (B) II (C) III (D) IV

14. What will happen if a copper piece is dipped in aqueous solution of silver nitrate for quite some
time? [IJSO-Stage-1/2017-18]
(i) Solution will remain colourless.
(ii) Solution will turn blue
(iii) Silver will deposit on the copper piece
(iv) Bubbles of brown gas will be formed around copper piece
(A) i and iv (B) ii and iv (C) ii and iii (D) iii and iv

15. Which of the following is incorrect? [IJSO-Stage-I/2018-19]

(A) Chalcocite-Copper (B) Magnetite-Iron
(C) Calamine-Aluminium (D) Galena- Lead

16. The compounds Na2O, Al2O3 and SO2 respectively are [IJSO-Stage-I/2009]
(A) acidic, amphoteric and basic. (B) amphoteric, basic and acidic
(C) basic, acidic and amphoteric. (D) basic, amphoteric and acidic

17. Which of the following are insoluble in water but will dissolve in aqueous NaOH?
[IJSO-Stage-I/2010]
(A) Mg(OH)2 (B) Fe(OH)3 (C) Cu(OH)2 (D) Zn(OH)2

Metals and Non-Metals 115

 18. Thermit reaction is one of the important reactions in the metallurgical industry. This reaction
is best described as: [IJSO-Stage-I/2013]
(A) iron is displacing aluminium from its ore where iron acts as reducing agent and aluminium
as oxidizing agent
(B) aluminium is displacing iron from its ore where iron acts as oxidizing agent and aluminium
as reducing agent
(C) aluminium is displacing iron from its ore where iron acts as a reducing agent and
aluminium as oxidizing agent.
(D) iron is displacing aluminium from its ore where iron acts as a oxidizing agent and
aluminium as reducing agent.

19. The electrolysis of aqueous NaOH solution yields [IJSO-Stage-I/2014]

(A) Na at cathode, O2 at anode (B) H2 at cathode, O2 at anode
(C) H2 at anode, O2 at cathode (D) H2 at anode, Na at cathode

20. Following experiments were carried out separately in chemistry laboratory in different test
tubes, labelled as (I), (II), (III), and (IV). [IJSO-Stage-I/2017]
(I) Mg + dil. HCl (II) Al + dil. H2SO4 (III) Cu + dil. HCl (IV) Mn + dil. HNO3
She observed hydrogen gas is not produced in:
(A) Only Test tube (IV) (B) Both test tubes (III) and (IV)
(C) Only test tube (III) (D) Both test tubes (II) and (III)

21. Halide ore out of the following is - [NTSE stage - I]

(A) cinnabar (B) horn silver (C) limonite (D) galena

22. Which of the following is not a method for purification of metals ? [NTSE stage-I]
(A) Calcination. (B) Distillation (C) Liquation (D) Sublimation

23. Cu2S + 2Cu2O → 6Cu + SO2 reaction occurs in- [NTSE Stage -I]
(A) calcination of copper (B) roasting of copper
(C) smelting of copper (D) bessemerisation of copper

24. A non metal, which is found in liquid state is- [NTSE Stago = 1/13]
(A) bromine (B) iodine (C) oxygen (D) carbon

25. Which one of the following metal oxides shows both acidic and basic characters?
[ NTSE Stage-1/13]
(A) SO2 (B) K2O (C) Cu2O (D) Al2O3

26. Brass contains- [NTSE Stage - 1/13]

(A) Cu and Sn (B) Cu and Ni (C) Cu and Zn (D) Mg and Al

116 Metals and Non-Metals

`
27. Which of the following cannot be used to extract a metal from its ore? [NTSE Stage - 1/13]
(A) Electrolytic reduction (B) Carbon reduction
(C) Reaction with oxygen (D) Reaction with more electropositive metal

28. The composition of alloy, German silver is [NTSE Stage - 1/13]

(A) Copper, zinc and nickel (B) Copper, tin and lead
(C) Copper, nickel and lead (D) Copper, lead and silver

29. In iron metallurgy, lime stone is used- [NTSE Stage - 1 13]

(A) to obtain heat energy (B) to reduce iron oxide into iron
(C) as an iron ore (D) to remove sand (SiO2)

30. Gallium is in__________ state at room temperature- [NTSE Stage - 1/13]

(A) plasma (B) liquid (C) solid (D) gaseous

31. Which metal cannot displace hydrogen from dilute acids? [NTSE Stage - //14]
(A) Cu (B) Mg (C) Zn (D) Na

32. At room temperature liquid non-metal is- [NTSE Stage - 1/14]

(A) carbon (B) bromine (C) mercury (D) iodine

33. Which alloy of aluminium is used for making aircrafts? [NTSE Stage - 1/14]
(A) Alnico (B) Y-Alloy (C) Duralumin (D) Aluminium Bronze

34. Which metal is known as 'quick-silver'-

[NTSE Stage - 1/14]
(A) Mercury (B) Aluminium (C) Antimony (D) Strontium

35. Iron ore is:

[NTSE Stage - 1/14]
(A) Bauxite (B) Dolomite (C) Haematite (D) Calamine

36. Transition temperature of Rhombic and monoclinic sulphur is-

[NTSE Stage - 1/14]
(A) 95.6°C (B) 99.6°C (C) 11.5°C (D) 444°C

37. Which of the following are the alloys of brass?

[NTSE Stage - 1/14]
(A) Ag+Cu (B) Cu+Zn (C) Zn+Fe (D) Cu+Fe

38. Which of the following is a relatively light metal ?

[NTSE Stage - 1/14]
(A) Lead (B) Tin (C) Aluminium (D) Mercury

Metals and Non-Metals 117

 39. What is the electronic configuration of sulphur?
[NTSE Stage - 1/14]
(A) 2,6,8 (B) 2,4,8 (C) 2,8,6 (D) 2,6,4

40. Match the following

[NTSE Stage - 1/14]
Column I Column II
(a) strongest reducing agent in aqueous solution I. Thalium
(b) Shows inert pair effect II. Caesium
(c) Forms peroxide on heating with excess of III. Lithium
oxygen
(d) Used in photo cells IV. Sodium

(A) a-IV,b-II, c-I, d-III (B) a-III, b-I, c-IV, d-II

(C) a-III,b-II,c-I,d-IV (D) a-II,b-IV,c-I,d-III

118 Metals and Non-Metals

 3. Metals and Non-metals

Exercise - I

Single Choice Questions

Que. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Ans. D A B C D D C C A A
Que. 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20
Ans. B B B A C A C C A D

Fill in the Blanks

1. metal and non-metal 2. Sonority 3. Mercury 4. Lead
5. Bromine

True and False

1. True 2. False 3. False 4. True 5. True

Exercise - II

Multiple correct Questions

Ques. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Ans. A,D A,B,D A,B,D B,D A,D C,D A,C A,B,C B,C B,C

Match the column

1. (C)

Assertion And Reason

1. (A)

Comprehension
(I) B
(II) A

Hots
Que. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Ans. C C A C C B C A D C

Answer key 171

 Exercise - III

Previous Year Questions

Que. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Ans. D C B A B A A A D D
Que. 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20
Ans. B C C C C D D B B C
Que. 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30
Ans. B A D A D C C A D C
Que. 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40
Ans. A B C A C A B C C B

172 Answer key