Metals and Non-metals — Previous Year Questions (Class 10 Science)
This chapter explores properties of metals and non-metals, their reactions, reactivity series, and extraction methods. Understanding these concepts is cruc
TL;DR: This chapter explores properties of metals and non-metals, their reactions, reactivity series, and extraction methods. Understanding these concepts is…
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This chapter explores properties of metals and non-metals, their reactions, reactivity series, and extraction methods. Understanding these concepts is cruc
Metals and Non-metals — Previous Year Questions with Solutions
Q (2023, 2 marks): List four physical properties that distinguish metals from non-metals.
Answer: Physical properties of metals:
1. Metals are lustrous (shiny) whereas non-metals are not
2. Metals are malleable (can be hammered into thin sheets) while non-metals are brittle
3. Metals are ductile (can be drawn into wires) while non-metals are not
4. Metals are good conductors of electricity while non-metals are poor conductors (except graphite)
5. Metals are good conductors of heat while non-metals are insulators
6. Metals have high density while non-metals generally have lower density
Q (2022, 1 mark): Arrange Cu, Fe, Mg, Al in order of decreasing reactivity.
Answer: Reactivity series (from the standard series):
Mg > Al > Fe > Cu
Therefore, in decreasing order of reactivity:
Mg > Al > Fe > Cu
Q (2023, 1 mark): Write the chemical equation for combustion of magnesium in oxygen.
Answer: 2Mg + O2 → 2MgO
Magnesium burns with a bright white flame in oxygen to form magnesium oxide.
Q (2021, 2 marks): What happens when iron is heated in steam? Write the chemical equation.
Answer: When iron is heated in steam, hydrogen gas is produced and a black oxide of iron (Fe3O4) is formed.
3Fe + 4H2O (steam) → Fe3O4 + 4H2↑
The black oxide Fe3O4 is magnetic and is formed at high temperatures.
Q (2022, 2 marks): Why is copper less reactive than iron? Explain using electron loss tendency.
Answer: Reactivity depends on the tendency of an atom to lose electrons.
Iron (atomic number 26) has the configuration [Ar] 3d6 4s2
Copper (atomic number 29) has the configuration [Ar] 3d10 4s1
Iron loses electrons more easily from its 4s orbital to form Fe2+ or Fe3+.
Copper loses its single 4s electron, but has a stable d10 configuration, making it less reactive.
Therefore, iron is more reactive than copper.
Q (2023, 2 marks): How are non-metals used in our daily life? Give three examples.
Answer: Uses of non-metals in daily life:
1. Oxygen (O2): Used in respiration by all living organisms, in welding, and medical applications
2. Nitrogen (N2): Used to make fertilizers (ammonia), and in cryogenic applications
3. Carbon: Used as fuel (coal), in diamond for jewelry, in graphite for pencils
4. Sulfur: Used to make sulfuric acid, in matches, and in vulcanization of rubber
5. Phosphorus: Used in fertilizers and matches
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the reactivity series and why is it important?
The reactivity series is an arrangement of metals in decreasing order of their chemical reactivity (ability to lose electrons). It's important for predicting which metal can displace another in a compound and for understanding metal extraction methods.
Why are non-metals not good conductors of electricity (except graphite)?
Non-metals have no free electrons in their structure that can move to carry electric current. However, graphite has a special structure with delocalized electrons in its layers, making it a good conductor unlike other non-metals.
More Class 10 Science PYQs
- Chemical Reactions and Equations
- Light (Reflection and Refraction)
- Electricity
- Acids, Bases and Salts
- Life Processes
- Heredity and Evolution
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