NCERT Solutions for Class 10 Science Chapter 3 Metals and Non-Metals

NCERT Solutions for Class 10 Science Chapter 3 - Metals and Non-Metals

Welcome to the Chapter 3 - Metals and Non-Metals, Class 10 Science NCERT Solutions page. Here, we provide detailed question answers for Chapter 3 - Metals and Non-Metals. The page is designed to help students gain a thorough understanding of the concepts related to natural resources, their classification, and sustainable development.

Our solutions explain each answer in a simple and comprehensive way, making it easier for students to grasp key topics Metals and Non-Metals and excel in their exams. By going through these Metals and Non-Metals question answers, you can strengthen your foundation and improve your performance in Class 10 Science. Whether you’re revising or preparing for tests, this chapter-wise guide will serve as an invaluable resource.

Exercise 1

Q 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.

(i) Mercury is the metal which is liquid at room temperature.

(ii) Sodium & Potassium are the metals that can be cut with a knife.

(iii) Silver is the metal which is the best conductor of heat.

(iv) Lead and Mercury are the metal that are poor conductors of heat.

Q 2:

Explain the meanings of malleable and ductile.

Malleable: Malleable means elements when beaten turn into thin sheets called malleable. For example, gold has a maximum tendency of being malleable.

Ductile: Elements having a tendency that they can be drawn into thin wires the tendency is called ductile. For example, gold has a maximum tendency of ductility.

Exercise 2

Q 1:

Why is sodium kept immersed in kerosene oil?

Sodium is highly reactive metal so it combines with air as well as water to form sodium oxide and hydrogen gas with heat energy.this heat is sufficient to burn hydrogen gas. That's why it catches fire if kept in open. Therefore, to prevent sodium from combining with air and accidental fires, sodium is stored in kerosene oil.

Q 2:

Write equations for the reactions of

(i) iron with steam
(ii) calcium and potassium with water.

(i) Iron reacts to steam to form ferrous oxide and hydrogen gas.

(ii) Calcium reacts with water and forms calcium hydroxide commonly known as slaked lime.

Q 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.

Metal	Iron(II) sulphate	Cooper(II) sulphate	Zinc sulphate	Silver nitrate
A	No reaction	Displacement
B	Displacement		No reaction	Displacement
C	No reaction	No reaction	No reaction	No reaction

Explanation

A + FeSO₄ → No reaction, because A is less reactive than iron

A + CuSO₄ → Displacement, because A is more reactive than copper

B + FeSO₄ → Displacement, because B is more reactive than iron

B + ZnSO₄ → No reaction, because B is less reactive than zinc

C + FeSO₄ → No reaction, because C is less reactive than iron

C + CuSO₄ → No reaction, because C is less reactive than copper

C + ZnSO₄ → No reaction, because C is less reactive than zinc

C + AgNO₃ → Displacement, because C is more reactive than silver

D + FeSO₄/CuSO₄/ZnSO₄/AgNO₃ → No reaction, because D is less reactive than iron, copper, zinc, and silver

From the above equations, we get:

(i) B is the most reactive metal.

(ii) If B is added to a copper sulphate solution, then it would displace copper from its salt .

B + CuSO₄ → Displacement

(iii) The arrangement of the metals in the order of decreasing reactivity is:

B > A > C > D

Q 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.

Hydrochloric acid when added to a reactive metal like sodium, potassium etc.
Hydrogen gas is evolved.

When iron metal reacts with dilute H₂SO₄, iron sulphate is formed with the evolution of hydrogen gas.

Q 5:

What would you observe when zinc is added to a solution of iron(II) sulphate? Write the chemical reaction that takes place.

Zinc is more reactive than iron. Therefore, when zinc is added to a solution of iron (II) sulphate, then it would displace iron from the solution.

Zn + FeSO₄ → ZnSO₄ + Fe

Exercise 3

Q 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?

(i) Electron dot structure is representation of elements with valence electrons as dots around the elements.

(ii)

(iii) The ions present in Na₂O are Na⁺ and O²⁻ ions and in MgO are Mg²⁺ and O²⁻ ions.

Q 2:

Why do ionic compounds have high melting points?

Ionic compounds are formed by strong electrostatic forces of attraction between the ions. So, it requires a lot of energy to overcome these forces. So ionic compounds have high melting points.

Exercise 4

Q 1:

Define the following terms.

(i) Mineral (ii) Ore (iii) Gangue

(i) Mineral: Minerals are the substances that are rich in particular metals and their composition is fixed.

(ii) Ore: Minerals from which particular metals can be extracted profitably are known as ores.

(iii) Gangue: The impurities like sand, silt, soil, gravel, etc. present in the ore are called gangue.

Q 2:

Name two metals which are found in nature in the free state.

Gold, Silver are the metals that are found in free stable because these metals are least reactive, so they are present at the bottom of the reactivity series.

Q 3:

What chemical process is used for obtaining a metal from its oxide?

Metals from its oxide obtained from reduction. Metal oxide is reduced by 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.

Example, On treating zinc oxide with carbon it reduces to metallic zinc.

Manganese dioxide is reduced to manganese when treated with aluminium powder, so aluminium displaces manganese from its oxide.

Oxides of more reactive metals are reduced by electrolysis.

Exercise 5

Q 1:

Metallic oxides of zinc, magnesium and copper were heated with the following metals.

Metal	Zinc	Magnesium	Copper
Zinc oxide
Magnesium oxide
Cooper oxide

In which cases will you find displacement reactions taking place?

Metal	Zinc	Magnesium	Copper
Zinc oxide	No reaction occur	Displacement	No reaction occur
Magnesium oxide	No reaction occur	No reaction occur	No reaction occur
Cooper oxide	Displacement	Displacement	No reaction occur

Q 2:

Which metals do not corrode easily?

Metal present at the bottom of reactivity series like gold, platinum are least reactive hence they do not corrode.

Q 3:

What are alloys?

Alloys are defined as homogeneous mixtures of two or more elements or metal and non metal. An alloy is formed by melting the metal and then it dissolves in the other elements. For example, steel is an example of alloy iron and carbon.

Exercise 6

Q 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.

(d) AgNO₃ solution and copper metal.

As copper is more reactive than silver it displaces silver from silver nitrate solution.

Q 10:

State two ways to prevent the rusting of iron.

The rusting of iron can be prevented by:

(i) Painting or Oiling: By applying paint or oil on the surface becomes waterproof and the moisture and oxygen present in the air cannot come into contact with iron. Therefore, rusting can be prevented.

(ii) Galvanisation: An iron article is coated with a layer of zinc metal, which prevents the iron from coming in contact with oxygen and moisture. So, rusting is prevented.

Q 11:

What type of oxides are formed when non-metals combine with oxygen?

Non-metals when combine with oxygen form acidic oxides.

For example:

S_(s)+ O_2(g) → SO_2(g)
(Acidic in nature)

Q 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.

(a) Platinum, gold, and silver are used to make jewellery because they are very lustrous as well as 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 and water. So, they are kept in kerosene oil in a way to prevent their direct contact with air and moisture.

(c) Aluminium is a reactive metal, yet it can resistant to corrosion. This is because aluminium reacts with oxygen present in air to form aluminium oxide. This oxide layer is quite stable and which further prevents reaction of aluminium with oxygen. Also, it is lightweight and a good conductor of heat. Therefore why 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 more easily extracted from their oxides than from their carbonates and sulphides.

Q 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.

Copper metal reacts with atmospheric carbon dioxide and forms copper carbonate and as a result, which copper vessel loses its shiny brown surface and forms a green layer of copper carbonate. Lemon or tamarind contain acid that neutralises the base copper carbonate and dissolves the layer. So, tarnished copper vessels using lemon and tamarind, copper vessels retain their shine.

Q 14:

Differentiate between metal and non-metal on the basis of their chemical properties.

Metal	Non-Metal
Metals are electropositive.	Non-metals are electronegative.
They react with oxygen to form basic oxides. 4Na + O₂ → 2Na₂O These have ionic bonds.	They react with oxygen to form acidic or neutral oxides. C + O₂ → CO₂ These have covalent bonds.
They react with water to form oxides and hydroxides. Some metals react with cold water, some with hot water, and some with steam. 2Na + 2H₂O → 2NaOH + H₂ ↑	They do not react with water.
They react with dilute acids to form a salt and evolve hydrogen gas. However, Cu, Ag, Au, Pt, Hg do not react. 2Na + 2HCl → 2NaCl + H₂ ↑	They do not react with dilute acids. These are not capable of replacing hydrogen.
They react with the salt solution of metals. Depending on their reactivity, displacement reaction can occur. CuSO₄ + Zn → ZnSO₄ + Cu	These react with the salt solution of non-metals.
They act as reducing agents (as they can easily lose electrons). Na → Na⁺ + e^-	These act as oxidising agents (as they can gain electrons). Cl₂ + 2e^- → 2Cl^-

Q 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?

The gold metal is dipped in the solution of aqua regia i.e. 3:1 mixture of conc. HCl and conc. HNO₃. Aqua regia is a fuming, highly corrosive liquid. It dissolves gold in it. When the gold ornaments are dipped into aqua regia, the outer layer of gold gets dissolved and the inner shiny layer appears. That is why the weight of gold ornaments drastically decreases.

Q 16:

Give reasons why copper is used to make hot water tanks and not steel (an alloy of iron).

Iron react with steam, whereas copper does not reat with cold water, hot water, or steam. So, hot water tanks are made of steel (an alloy of iron), then iron reacts with the steam formed by hot water.

3Fe + 4H₂O → Fe₃O₄ + 4H₂
Iron Steam Iron(II,III)oxide Hydrogen

Therefore copper is used to make hot water tanks, and not steel.

Q 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.

(Rusting can be prevented by applying grease and oil. But, in case of an iron frying pan, grease and paint cannot be applied because when the pan is heated and washed again and again, the coating of grease and paint gets destroyed. Therefore Zinc coating is done i.e. galvanisation to prevent rusting.)

Q 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.

(a) The element is calcium.

Because calcium oxide is an ionic compound, as these compounds have a high melting point.

Q 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.

Q 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 non-metals?
(b) Assess the usefulness of these tests in distinguishing between metals and non-metals.

(a) Suppose on hammering or beating the sample it converts into sheets, then it is a metal otherwise a non-metal because metals are malleable whereas non metals are not. If we use the battery, bulb, wires, and a switch to make up a circuit. If these samples conduct electricity, then it is a metal, otherwise a non-metal.

(b) As these tests are based on the physical properties. No chemical reactions occurs or are required in these tests. Therefore, the above tests are useful in distinguishing between metals and nonmetals.

Q 6:

What are amphoteric oxides? Give two examples of amphoteric oxides.

Those oxides that behave both as acidic and basic oxides are called amphoteric oxides.

Examples: Aluminium oxide (Al₂O₃), zinc oxide (ZnO)

Q 7:

Name two metals which will displace hydrogen from dilute acids, and two metals which will not.

Metals that are present at the top reactivity series are more reactive like potassium and sodium. So hydrogen displaced from dilute acids. Metals that are less reactive than hydrogen do not displace it that are present at the bottom of reactivity series like copper and silver.

Q 8:

In the electrolytic refining of a metal M, what would you take as the anode, the cathode and the electrolyte?

While electrolytic refining of a metal M:

Impure metal M will be taken as anode.

Thin strips of pure metal M will be taken as cathode.

Solution of salt of the metal M as electrolyte.

Q 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.

(a) (i) No change will be on dry Litmus paper.

(ii) The gas is sulphur dioxide (SO₂), which turns moist blue litmus paper to red because sulphur dioxide reacts with moisture to form sulphurous acid.

(b) S_(s)+ O_2(g) → SO_2(g)
Sodium dioxide

SO_2(g)+ H₂O_(f) → H2SO_3(aq)
Sulphurous acid

Frequently Asked Questions about Metals and Non-Metals - Class 10 Science

- 1. How many questions are covered in Metals and Non-Metals solutions?
- All questions from Metals and Non-Metals are covered with detailed step-by-step solutions including exercise questions, additional questions, and examples.
- 2. Are the solutions for Metals and Non-Metals helpful for exam preparation?
- Yes, the solutions provide comprehensive explanations that help students understand concepts clearly and prepare effectively for both board and competitive exams.
- 3. Can I find solutions to all exercises in Metals and Non-Metals?
- Yes, we provide solutions to all exercises, examples, and additional questions from Metals and Non-Metals with detailed explanations.
- 4. How do these solutions help in understanding Metals and Non-Metals concepts?
- Our solutions break down complex problems into simple steps, provide clear explanations, and include relevant examples to help students grasp the concepts easily.
- 5. Are there any tips for studying Metals and Non-Metals effectively?
- Yes, practice regularly, understand the concepts before memorizing, solve additional problems, and refer to our step-by-step solutions for better understanding.

Exam Preparation Tips for Metals and Non-Metals

The Metals and Non-Metals is an important chapter of 10 Science. This chapter’s important topics like Metals and Non-Metals are often featured in board exams. Practicing the question answers from this chapter will help you rank high in your board exams.

Latest Blog Posts

Stay updated with our latest educational content and study tips

Smart Questions to Ask in a Parent-Teacher Meeting | PTM Made Easy

Parent-Teacher Meetings (PTMs) are more than quick updates on marks — they’re a chance to build a real partnership between home and school. A good Parent-Teacher Meeting conversation helps parents see beyond grades. It opens up insights about a child’s strengths, struggles, emotions and even hidden talents. When parents participate actively, they don’t just track […]

The Secret to Smarter Learning — Building Strong Critical Thinking Skills

In today’s world of endless information , knowing how to think is more important than knowing what to think . From school projects to real – life decisions , critical thinking helps students question ideas , analyze facts and form logical conclusions . But what exactly does critical thinking mean ? Simply put , it’s […]

Study Smarter, Not Harder: Build Productive Habits That Stick

Every student dreams of better grades , stronger focus and more study time – but the real challenge isn’t starting, it’s staying consistent . Building productive study habits is not about studying all day , it’s about studying smart . In today’s fast – paced digital world, distractions are everywhere – from endless phone notifications […]

The Hidden Risks of Online Gaming for Children — Is your child safe while gaming online?

Online gaming has rapidly become one of the most popular pastimes among children. Whether it’s multiplayer mobile games , PC adventures or console challenges , kids are spending more time than ever in the virtual world . On the surface, gaming seems entertaining and even educational – improving hand- eye coordination , teamwork and problem […]

View All Blog Posts

Benefits of Using Our NCERT Solutions for Class

When it comes to excelling in your studies, having a well-structured study guide can make a huge difference. Our NCERT Solutions for Class provide you with a comprehensive, easy-to-understand, and exam-focused resource that is specifically tailored to help you maximize your potential. Here are some of the key benefits of using our NCERT solutions for effective learning and high scores:

NCERT Solutions for Effective Exam Preparation

Preparing for exams requires more than just reading through textbooks. It demands a structured approach to understanding concepts, solving problems, and revising thoroughly. Here’s how our NCERT solutions can enhance your exam preparation:

Clear Understanding of Concepts: Our NCERT solutions are designed to break down complex topics into simple, understandable language, making it easier for students to grasp essential concepts in . This helps in building a solid foundation for each chapter, which is crucial for scoring high marks.
Step-by-Step Solutions: Each solution is presented in a detailed, step-by-step manner. This approach not only helps you understand how to reach the answer but also equips you with the right techniques to tackle similar questions in exams.
Access to Important Questions: We provide a curated list of important questions and commonly asked questions in exams. By practicing these questions, you can familiarize yourself with the types of problems that are likely to appear in the exams and gain confidence in answering them.
Quick Revision Tool: Our NCERT solutions serve as an excellent tool for last-minute revision. The solutions cover all key points, definitions, and explanations, ensuring that you have everything you need to quickly review before exams.

Importance of Structured Answers for Scoring Higher Marks

In exams, it's not just about getting the right answer—it's also about presenting it in a well-structured and logical way. Our NCERT solutions for Class are designed to guide you on how to write answers that are organized and effective for scoring high marks.

Precise and Concise Answers: Our solutions are crafted to provide answers that are to the point, without unnecessary elaboration. This ensures that you don't waste time during exams and focus on delivering accurate answers that examiners appreciate.
Step-Wise Marks Distribution: We understand that exams often allot marks based on specific steps or points. Our NCERT solutions break down each answer into structured steps to ensure you cover all essential points required for full marks.
Improved Presentation Skills: By following the format of our NCERT solutions, you learn how to present your answers in a systematic and logical manner. This helps in making your answers easy to read and allows the examiner to quickly identify key points, resulting in better scores.
Alignment with NCERT Guidelines: Since exams are often set in alignment with NCERT guidelines, our solutions are tailored to follow the exact format and language that is expected in exams. This can improve your chances of scoring higher by meeting the examiner's expectations.

Study Material

Complete NCERT Solutions Guide

Access step-by-step solutions for all NCERT textbook questions

Explore Now

Practice Papers

CBSE Sample Papers 2024

Practice with latest CBSE sample papers for all classes

Explore Now

Reference

Important Mathematical Formulas

Quick reference guide for all important mathematical formulas

Explore Now

$Multiplication Tables 1-100$

Mathematics

Multiplication Tables 1-100

Complete multiplication tables with tips and tricks

Explore Now

NCERT Solutions for Class 10 Science Chapter 3 - Metals and Non-Metals

Exercise 1

Exercise 2

Exercise 3

Exercise 4

Exercise 5

Exercise 6

Frequently Asked Questions about Metals and Non-Metals - Class 10 Science

Exam Preparation Tips for Metals and Non-Metals

Latest Blog Posts

Smart Questions to Ask in a Parent-Teacher Meeting | PTM Made Easy

The Secret to Smarter Learning — Building Strong Critical Thinking Skills

Study Smarter, Not Harder: Build Productive Habits That Stick

The Hidden Risks of Online Gaming for Children — Is your child safe while gaming online?

Benefits of Using Our NCERT Solutions for Class

NCERT Solutions for Effective Exam Preparation

Importance of Structured Answers for Scoring Higher Marks

Quick Navigation

Chapters for Class 10 Science

Subjects for Class 10

Popular This Week

Study Tools

Scientific Calculator

Formula Sheet Generator

Progress Tracker

Study Planner

Students Also Read

Sponsored

Need Help?

Effective Study Techniques for Board Exams

How to Choose the Right Career After Class 12

Memory Techniques for Better Learning

Ready to Excel in Your Studies?

SaralStudy

Download Our App

Quick Access

NCERT Solutions for Class 10 Science Chapter 3 - Metals and Non-Metals

Exercise 1

Exercise 2

Exercise 3

Exercise 4

Exercise 5

Exercise 6

Frequently Asked Questions about Metals and Non-Metals - Class 10 Science

Exam Preparation Tips for Metals and Non-Metals

Latest Blog Posts

Related Resources

Exam Information

Full Form

Calculator

Glossary

Benefits of Using Our NCERT Solutions for Class

NCERT Solutions for Effective Exam Preparation

Importance of Structured Answers for Scoring Higher Marks

Quick Navigation

Chapters for Class 10 Science

Subjects for Class 10

Popular This Week

Study Tools

Scientific Calculator

Formula Sheet Generator

Progress Tracker

Study Planner

Students Also Read

Sponsored

Need Help?

Related Educational Resources

Trending Study Topics

Latest from Our Blog

Stay Updated with Latest Educational Content

Follow Us

Ready to Excel in Your Studies?

Boost Your Academic Performance

Get Started Today!