Metals and Non metals
By : Arvind Kumar
Question : What is an ionic bond? Describe its formation with example.
Answer : The bond formation resulting by transfer of electrons from one atom to the
other is known as ionic bond or electrovalent bond. The atom that loses the electron is
called donor whereas the other which receives the electron is called receiver.
Example : The formation of ionic bond in sodium chloride takes place in the following
way :
i.
ii.
iii.
iv.
v.
Sodium atom loses one electron and attains a stable electronic configuration
similar to neon
Na

Na+
+
e2,8,1
2,8
Chlorine receives one electron and attains stable electronic configuration
similar to argon.
Cl
+
e
Cl2,8,7
2,8,7
Due to deficiency of one electron sodium atom attains positive charge to
become positive ion
Due surplus of one electron chlorine atom becomes negatively charged ion.
The two oppositely charged ions are held with strong electrostatic force of
attraction. This results into ionic bonding.
Na+
+ Cl NaCl
Ionic bonding generally occurs between atoms of metallic elements with non metallic
elements. Metallic atoms are donors whereas nonmetallic atoms are recipient of
electrons.
Question : List important characteristics of ionic compounds.
Answer : Characteristics of ionic compounds :
i.
ii.
iii.
iv.
v.
Such compounds are formed by transfer of electrons.
They possess ions which are bonded by strong electrostatic force of
attraction
These have higher melting points and boiling points.
These are generally soluble in water but insoluble in organic solvents.
Their aqueous solutions are good conductor of electricity.
Question : Why is it more appropriate to write sodium chloride molecule as
(NaCl)n rather than NaCl?
Answer : Unlike covalent molecules the ionic molecules do not occur as isolated
molecules in its crystal lattice structure. In its crystal each ion is surrounded by
oppositely charged ions forming a three dimensional network. However the number of
oppositely charged ions is exactly equal. Therefore it is more correct to represent
sodium chloride molecule as (NaCl)n rather than NaCl.
Question : What are metalloids?
Answer : The elements that show properties of both metals and non – metals, are
called metalloids. Examples : Silicon, Arsenic, Germanium
Question : Compare the physical properties of metals and non metals.
Answer :
S.No
Property
Metals
Non-Metals
1
Physical State
Metals are solid at room
Non-metals generally exist
temperature. Except mercury as solids and gases, except
and gallium.
Bromine.
2
Melting and boiling Metals generally have high
points
m.pt and b.pt except gallium
and cesium.
Non-metals have low m.pt
and b.pt except diamond
and graphite.
3
Density
Generally high.
Generally low.
4
Malleability and
Ductility
Malleable and ductile.
Neither malleable nor
ductile.
5
Electrical and
thermal
conductivity
Good conductors of heat and
electricity.
Generally poor conductors
of heat and electricity except
graphite.
6
Luster
Poses shining luster.
Do not have luster except
iodine.
7
Sonorous sound
Give sonorous sound when
struck.
Does not give sonorous
sound.
8
Hardness
Generally hard except Na, K
Solid non-metals are
generally soft except
diamond.
Question : Write chemical properties of metals.
1. Reaction with oxygen : Metals form basic oxides
Metal + Oxygen Metal oxide
4Na(s) + O2(g)
2Na2O(s)
4Al(s) + 3O2(g)
2Al2O3
Zn and Al form amphoteric oxides (they show the properties of both acidic and basic
oxides because they react with acids as well as base to form salt and water)
Al2O3
+
6HCl
2AlCl3
+ 3H2O
Al2O3
+
2NaOH
2NaAlO2 + H2O
(Sodium aluminate)
Most of the metal oxides are insoluble in water.
Some of them dissolve to form Alkali
Na2O(s) + H2O(l)
2NaOH(aq)
2. Reaction with water : Metals react with water to form metal oxides or metal
hydroxide and H2 gas is released.
2Na(s) + 2H2O(l)
2NaOH +H2(g) + heat
3. Reaction with dilute acids : Metals displace hydrogen from dil. acids
Metal + Acid
Metal salt + Hydrogen
Examples :
HCl
Mg(s) + 2HCl(aq)
MgCl2(aq) + H2(g)
H2SO4
2Na(s) + H2SO4
Na2SO4(aq) +H2(g)
HNO3
Metal + HNO3 H2 gas is not displaced.
Reason- HNO3 is strong oxidizing agent. But Mn can release H2 gas.
Mn + 2HNO3
Mn(NO3)2 + H2
4. Reaction with other metallic salts :When metals react with salt solution,
more reactive metal will displace a less reactive metal from its salt
solution.
CuSO4(aq) + Zn(s)
ZnSO4(aq) + Cu(s)
5. Reaction with Chlorine : Metals form ionic chlorides
Metal + Chlorine
Metal Chloride
2Na + Cl2
2NaCl
6. Reaction with hydrogen : Only few highly reactive metals form unstable
hydrides
2Na(s) + H2(g)
2NaH(s)
Question : Write chemical properties of non metals.
Reaction with oxygen : These produce acidic oxides
Non-metal + Oxygen
Non-metal oxide
C + O2
CO2
S + O2
SO2
,
Some non metallic oxides are neutral Example , CO and H2O
These dissolve in water to form acids
Example :
SO2 + H2O
H2SO3
Reaction with water : Non-metals do not react with water, steam to evolve hydrogen
gas. Because Non-metals cannot give electrons to hydrogen in water so that it can be
released as H2 gas
Reaction with dilute acids :Non-metals do not react with acids to release H2
gas (Reason- Non-metals cannot loose electrons and cannot give it to Hydrogen ions
of acids so as to release H2 gas .
Reaction with salt solutions : When non-metals react with salt solution, more
reactive non-metal will displace a less reactive non-metal from its salt solution.
2NaBr(aq) + Cl2(g)
2NaCl(aq) + Br2(aq)
Reaction with chlorine : Non metals form covalent chlorides
Non-metal + Chlorine
Non-metal Chloride
H2(g) + Cl2
2HCl
Reaction with hydrogen : Non-metals react with hydrogen to form stable hydrides
H2(g) + S(l)
H2S(g)
Question : Differentiate between roasting and calcinations.
Answer :
Calcination : The process of heating ore in absence of air below its melting point is
called calcinations. It is done to convert carbonate into oxide. It is because reduction
of oxide is much easier as compared to carbonate or sulphide.
Example : ZnCO3 (s)  ZnO (s) + CO2 (g)
Roasting : The process of heating ore in excess of air below its melting point is
called roasting. It is done to convert sulphide ore into oxide. It is because reduction of
oxide is much easier as compared to carbonate or sulphide.
Example : 2 ZnS (s) + 3O2  3ZnO (s) + SO2 (g)
Question : What is aquaregia?
Answer : It is a mixture of concentrated HCl and HNO3 in a ratio 1:3.
Question : What are alloys? Give its examples.
Answer : A homogeneous mixture of two or more metals or metals with non metals is
known as alloy.
The alloys of mercury are known as amalgam. Alloys are made to obtain desirable
properties like resistance to corrosion, improving tensile strength, lusture, changing
melting point etc. Example
Alloy
Composition
Use
Amalgam
Mercury (45–55%), plus silver, tin, copper,
and zinc.
Solder
99.25 percent tin and 0.75 percent copper
Connecting electrical
components into circuits.
Duralumin
Aluminum (94%), copper (4.5–5%),
magnesium (0.5–1.5%), manganese (0.5–
1.5%).
Automobile and aircraft body
parts, military equipment.
Brass
Copper (65–90%), zinc (10–35%).
Door locks and bolts, brass
musical instruments, central
heating pipes.
Dental fillings.
Bronze
Copper (78–95%), tin (5–22%),
Decorative statues, musical
instruments.
Question : Show extraction of metals by a flow chart
Answer :
Question 1:
Give an example of a metal which
(i) is a liquid at room temperature.
(ii) can be easily cut with a knife.
(iii) is the best conductor of heat.
(iv) is a poor conductor of heat.
Answer
(i) Metal that exists in liquid state at room temperature → Mercury
(ii) Metal that can be easily cut with a knife → Sodium
(iii) Metal that is the best conductor of heat → Silver
(iv) Metals that are poor conductors of heat → Mercury and lead
Question 2: Explain the meanings of malleable and ductile.
Answer
Malleable: Substances that can be beaten into thin sheets are called malleable.
For example, most of the metals are malleable.
Ductile: Substances that can be drawn into thin wires are called ductile. For
example, most of the metals are ductile.
Question 1: Define the following terms.
(i) Mineral (ii) Ore (iii) Gangue
Answer
(i) Mineral: Most of the elements occur in nature as in combined state as minerals.
The chemical composition of minerals is fixed.
(ii) Ore: Minerals from which metals can be extracted profitably are known as ores.
(iii) Gangue: The impurities (sand, silt, soil, gravel, etc.) present in the ore are
called gangue.
Question 2: Write equations for the reactions of
(i) iron with steam
(ii) calcium and potassium with water
Answer
Question 3: Samples of four metals A, B, C and D were taken and added to the
following solution one by one. The results obtained have been tabulated as
follows.
Use the Table above to answer the following questions about metals A, B, C and
D.
(i) Which is the most reactive metal?
(ii) What would you observe if B is added to a solution of copper (II) sulphate?
(iii) Arrange the metals A, B, C and D in the order of decreasing reactivity.
Answer
Explanation
A + FeSO4 → No reaction,
i.e., A is less reactive than iron
A + CuSO4 → Displacement, i.e., A is more reactive than copper
B + FeSO4 → Displacement, i.e., B is more reactive than iron
B + ZnSO4 → No reaction,
i.e., B is less reactive than zinc
C + FeSO4 → No reaction,
i.e., C is less reactive than iron
C + CuSO4 → No reaction,
i.e., C is less reactive than copper
C + ZnSO4 → No reaction,
i.e., C is less reactive than zinc
C + AgNO3 → Displacement, i.e., C is more reactive than silver
D + FeSO4/CuSO4/ZnSO4/AgNO3 → No reaction, i.e., D is less reactive than iron,
copper, zinc, and silver
From the above equations, we obtain:
(i) B is the most reactive metal.
(ii) If B is added to a solution of copper (II) sulphate, then it would displace copper.
B + CuSO4 → Displacement
(iii) The arrangement of the metals in the order of decreasing reactivity is:
B>A>C>D
Question 4: Which gas is produced when dilute hydrochloric acid is added to a
reactive metal? Write the chemical reaction when iron reacts with dilute H2SO4.
Answer
Hydrogen gas is evolved when dilute hydrochloric acid is added to a reactive
metal. When iron reacts with dilute H2SO4, iron (II) sulphate with the evolution of
hydrogen gas is formed.
Question 5: What would you observe when zinc is added to a solution of iron (II)
sulphate? Write the chemical reaction that takes place.
Answer
Zinc is more reactive than iron. Therefore, if zinc is added to a solution of iron
(II) sulphate, then it would displace iron from the solution.
Question 2: Name two metals which are found in nature in the free state.
Answer
The metals at the bottom of the reactivity series are mostly found in free state.
For example: gold, silver, and platinum.
Question 1:
(i) Write the electron-dot structures for sodium, oxygen and magnesium.
(ii) Show the formation of Na2O and MgO by the transfer of electrons.
(iii) What are the ions present in these compounds?
Answer
(i) The representation of elements with valence electrons as dots around the elements
is referred to as electron-dot structure for elements.
(iii) The ions present in Na2O are Na+ and O2− ions and in MgO are Mg2+ and O2− ions.
Question 3: What chemical process is used for obtaining a metal from its oxide?
Answer
The chemical process used for obtaining a metal from its oxide is reduction. In
this process, metal oxides are reduced by using suitable reducing agents such as
carbon or
by highly reactive metals to displace the metals from their oxides. For example, zinc
oxide is reduced to metallic zinc by heating with carbon.
Manganese dioxide is reduced to manganese by treating it with aluminium powder.
In this case, aluminium displaces manganese from its oxide.
Oxides of more reactive metals are reduced by electrolysis.
Question 2: Which metals do not corrode easily?
Answer
More reactive a metal is, more likely it is to be corroded. Therefore, less reactive
metals are less likely to get corroded. This is why gold plating provides high resistance
to corrosion.
Question 3: What are alloys?
Answer
Alloys are homogeneous mixtures of two or more elements. The elements could be
two metals, or a metal and a non-metal. An alloy is formed by first melting the metal
and then dissolving the other elements in it. For example, steel is an alloy of iron
and carbon.
Question 1:
Which of the following pairs will give displacement reactions?
(a) NaCl solution and copper metal
(b) MgCl2 solution and aluminium metal
(c) FeSO4 solution and silver metal
(d) AgNO3 solution and copper metal.
Answer
(d) AgNO3 solution and copper metal
Question 2:
Which of the following methods is suitable for preventing an iron frying pan
from rusting?
(a) Applying grease
(b) Applying paint
(c) Applying a coating of zinc
(d) all of the above.
Answer
(c) Applying a coating of zinc (We can also apply grease and paint to prevent iron from
rusting. However, in case of iron frying pan, grease and paint cannot be applied
because when the pan will be heated and washed again and again, the coating of
grease and paint would get destroyed.)
Question 3:
An element reacts with oxygen to give a compound with a high melting point.
This compound is also soluble in water. The element is likely to be
(a) calcium
(b) carbon
(c) silicon
(d) iron
Answer
(a) The element is likely to be calcium.
Question 4:
Food cans are coated with tin and not with zinc because
(a) zinc is costlier than tin.
(b) zinc has a higher melting point than tin.
(c) zinc is more reactive than tin.
(d) zinc is less reactive than tin.
Answer
(c) Food cans are coated with tin and not with zinc because zinc is more reactive
than tin.
Question 5:
You are given a hammer, a battery, a bulb, wires and a switch.
(a) How could you use them to distinguish between samples of metals and nonmetals?
(b) Assess the usefulness of these tests in distinguishing between metals and
nonmetals.
Answer
(a) With the hammer, we can beat the sample and if it can be beaten into thin
sheets (that is, it is malleable), then it is a metal otherwise a non-metal. Similarly, we
can use the battery, bulb, wires, and a switch to set up a circuit with the sample. If
the sample conducts electricity, then it is a metal otherwise a non-metal.
(b) The above tests are useful in distinguishing between metals and non-metals as
these are based on the physical properties. No chemical reactions are involved in
these tests.
Question 1: Metallic oxides of zinc, magnesium and copper were heated with the
following metals.
Question 6: What are amphoteric oxides? Give two examples of amphoteric
oxides.
Answer
Those oxides that behave as both acidic and basic oxides are called amphoteric
oxides. Examples: aluminium oxide (Al2O3), zinc oxide (ZnO)
Question 7: Name two metals which will displace hydrogen from dilute acids,
and two metals which will not.
Answer
Metals that are more reactive than hydrogen displace it from dilute acids. For
example: sodium and potassium. Metals that are less reactive than hydrogen do not
displace it. For example: copper and silver.
Question 8: In the electrolytic refining of a metal M, what would you take as the
anode, the cathode and the electrolyte?
Answer
In the electrolytic refining of a metal M:
Anode → Impure metal M
Cathode → Thin strip of pure metal M
Electrolyte → Solution of salt of the metal M
Question 9: Pratyush took sulphur powder on a spatula and heated it. He
collected the gas evolved by inverting a test tube over it, as shown in figure
below.
(a) What will be the action of gas on
(i) dry litmus paper?
(ii) moist litmus paper?
(b) Write a balanced chemical equation for the reaction taking place.
Answer
(a) (i) There will be no action on dry litmus paper.
(ii) Since the gas is sulphur dioxide (SO2), it turns moist blue litmus paper to
red because sulphur dioxide reacts with moisture to form sulphurous acid.
(b)
Question 10: State two ways to prevent the rusting of iron.
Answer
Two ways to prevent the rusting of iron are:
(i) Oiling, greasing, or painting: By applying oil, grease, or paint, the surface becomes
water proof and the moisture and oxygen present in the air cannot come into
direct contact with iron. Hence, rusting is prevented.
(ii) Galvanisation: An iron article is coated with a layer of zinc metal, which
prevents the iron to come in contact with oxygen and moisture. Hence, rusting is
prevented.
Question 11:
What type of oxides is formed when non-metals combine with oxygen?
Answer
Non-metals combine with oxygen to form acidic oxides.
For example:
Question 12: Give reasons
(a) Platinum, gold and silver are used to make jewellery.
(b) Sodium, potassium and lithium are stored under oil.
(c) Aluminium is a highly reactive metal, yet it is used to make utensils for
cooking.
(d) Carbonate and sulphide ores are usually converted into oxides during the
process of extraction.
Answer
(a) Platinum, gold, and silver are used to make jewellery because they are
very lustrous. Also, they are very less reactive and do not corrode easily.
(b) Sodium, potassium, and lithium are very reactive metals and react very
vigorously with air as well as water. Therefore, they are kept immersed in kerosene oil
in order to prevent their contact with air and moisture.
(c) Though aluminium is a highly reactive metal, it is resistant to corrosion. This
is because aluminium reacts with oxygen present in air to form a thin layer of
aluminium oxide. This oxide layer is very stable and prevents further reaction of
aluminium with oxygen. Also, it is light in weight and a good conductor of heat.
Hence, it is used to make cooking utensils.
(d) Carbonate and sulphide ores are usually converted into oxides during the process
of extraction because metals can be easily extracted from their oxides rather than
from their carbonates and sulphides.
Question 13: You must have seen tarnished copper vessels being cleaned with
lemon or tamarind juice. Explain why these sour substances are effective in
cleaning the vessels.
Answer
Copper reacts with moist carbon dioxide in air to form copper carbonate and as a
result, copper vessel loses its shiny brown surface forming a green layer of copper
carbonate. The citric acid present in the lemon or tamarind neutralises the basis
copper carbonate and dissolves the layer. That is why, tarnished copper vessels are
cleaned with lemon or tamarind juice to give the surface of the copper vessel its
characteristic lustre.
Question 15:
A man went door to door posing as a goldsmith. He promised to bring back the
glitter of old and dull gold ornaments. An unsuspecting lady gave a set of gold
bangles to him which he dipped in a particular solution. The bangles sparkled
like new but their weight was reduced drastically. The lady was upset but after a
futile argument the man beat a hasty retreat. Can you play the detective to find
out the nature of the solution he had used?
Answer
He must have dipped the gold metal in the solution of aqua regia − a 3:1 mixture
of conc. HCl and conc. HNO3. Aqua regia is a fuming, highly corrosive liquid. It
dissolves gold in it. After dipping the gold ornaments in aqua regia, the outer layer of
gold gets dissolved and the inner shiny layer appears. That is why the weight of gold
ornament reduced.
Question 16:
Give reasons why copper is used to make hot water tanks and not steel (an alloy
of iron).
Answer
Copper does not react with cold water, hot water, or steam. However, iron reacts
with steam. If the hot water tanks are made of steel (an alloy of iron), then iron would
react vigorously with the steam formed from hot water.
That is why copper is used to make hot water tanks, and not steel.
Question 14: Differentiate between metal and non-metal on the basis of their
chemical properties.
Answer
Metals
Non metals
Question 1: Why is sodium kept immersed in kerosene oil?
Answer
Sodium and potassium are very reactive metals and and combine explosively with air
as well as water. Hence, they catch fire if kept in open. Therefore, to prevent
accidental fires and accidents, sodium is stored immersed in kerosene oil.
Question 2: Why do ionic compounds have high melting points?
Answer
Ionic compounds have strong electrostatic forces of attraction between the
ions. Therefore, it requires a lot of energy to overcome these forces. That is why
ionic compounds have high melting points.
Question : Show ionic bonding in NaCl and MgCl2.
Answer :
Question : Describe electrolytic refining.
Answer : It is a process of refining metals like Cu, Al, Ag.
In this process the impure metal is made anode and a thin
strip of pure metal acts as cathode. An aqueous solution of the
salt of same metal is used as electrolyte.
For example to refine copper metal, anode is made with impure
copper and pure copper strip acts as cathode. CuSO4 solution
is used as an electrolyte. On passing electric current pure copper
gets deposited from anode to cathode. The impurities settle down
below anode as anode mud.
At Anode :
Cu

Cu2+ + 2e2+
At Cathode :
Cu
+ 2e- 
Cu
Question : What is thermit reaction
Answer : Thermit reaction is a displacement reaction between Al and Fe2O3. The
mixture of aluminium powder and iron(III) oxide is ignited by using a magnesium
ribbon. The reaction being highly exothermic produces molten iron. This molten iron
is filled between broken rails for welding.
Fe2O3(s) + 2Al(s) → 2Fe(l) + Al2O3(s) + Heat
Question : What is reactivity series?
Answer : It is arrangement of metals according to their decreasing reactivity.
K
Na
Ca
Mg
Al
Zn
Fe
Pb
Cu
Ag
Au