Metals and Non Metals CBSE Class 10 Science Notes Chapter 3

Online revision notes for CBSE Class 10 Science are created by askIITians Science experts to help you understand all the concepts of this chapter. Metals and nonmetals is an interesting chapter that includes information about how metals are extracted, what are the different properties of metals and non-metals, the reactivity series of metals, corrosion of metals and prevention of corrosion. The experts at askIITians have created the revision notes for this chapter covering all these topics in detail. 

The notes are pointwise, so revising any topic would not be difficult for you. They are created according to the latest CBSE syllabus for Class 10 Science, so you can easily rely on these notes for exam preparation. The notes include tables and diagrams to help you revise a topic quickly. Refer to our revision notes for Class 10 Science Maths Chapter 3 Metals and Nonmetals and revise all the topics of the chapter in just 20 minutes. 

At askIITians, we provide a plethora of study resources to the students for Class 10 Science. From NCERT Solutions to NCERT Exemplar problems and solutions, you can find revision notes, extra questions, practice papers and more. We also provide class 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 notes for Science and Maths to the students for free. 

Free Revision Notes for CBSE Class 10 Science Chapter 3 Metals and Non-Metals 

Elements are classified as metals and non-metals based on different properties. The properties of metals and non-metals are given in the form of the table below-

Chemical Properties of Metals

• Metals react with air or oxygen to form metal oxide.

For Example, Copper reacts with oxygen to form copper oxide.

Metal + O2 → Metal oxide

2Cu + O2 → 2CuO

4Al + 3O­2 → 2Al2O3

• Oxides of metals can react with both acids and bases to produce salt and water. Such oxides are known as Amphoteric Oxides.

Al2O3 + 6HCl → 2AlCl3 + H2O

• Metals also react with water to form metal oxide. Metal oxide in turn can react with water to form metal hydroxide. For Example

2Na + 2H2O → 2NaOH + 1H2

2Al + 3H2O → Al2O3 + 3H2

• Metals also react with dilute acids to form salt and hydrogen. For example, magnesium reacts with dilute hydrochloric acid to form magnesium chloride and hydrogen.

Metal + Acid → Metal Salt + Hydrogen

Mg + 2HCl → MgCl2 + H2

Chemical Properties of Nonmetals

• Non-metals react with oxygen to form non-metal oxide.

Non-metal + Oxygen → Non-metal oxide

C + O2 → CO2

• Non-metals do not react with water and acids to evolve hydrogen gas.
• Non-metals can react with salt solution; the more reactive element will displace the less reactive non-metal.

2 NaBr (aq) + Cl2(aq) → 2NaCl (aq) + Br2 (aq)

• Non-metals can also react with hydrogen to form hydrides.

H2(g) + S(l) → H2S(g)

Reactivity Series

The series in which metals are arranged in the decreasing order of reactivity is known as the Reactivity Series.

Fig.1. Reactivity Series

Ionic Compounds

Compounds formed due to the transfer of electrons from a metal to a non-metal are known as Ionic Compounds.

Covalent Bond

A bond is formed by the sharing of electrons between the two atoms. They share their valence electrons to gain stability.

Properties of Ionic Compounds

• They are generally hard and solid.
• They have a high melting and boiling point.
• They are soluble in water but insoluble in inorganic solvents such as ether etc.
• They are conductors of electricity in molten and solution states.

Occurrence of Metals

Elements or compounds which occur naturally in earth crust are known as Minerals. Minerals from which pure metals can be extracted are known as Mineral Ores.

Extraction of pure metals from its ores/steps for extraction of metals from its ore

• The first step is the enrichment of the ore
• The second step includes extraction of metals
• Third steps involve refining of metal

Gangue - Ores contain different impurities in it such as sand, soil etc. These impurities are known as Gangue.

Extracting Metals which are low in activity series

Metals which are low in the activity series are unreactive. The oxides of such metals can be reduced to metals by heating alone. For Example, Cinnabar (HgS)

Extracting Metals in the middle of the Activity Series

These metals are moderately reactive. They exist as sulphides or carbonates in nature. Before reduction, metal sulphides and carbonates must be converted into metal oxides. Sulphide ores are converted into oxides by heating strongly in the presence of excess air, this is known as Roasting. Carbonate ores are converted into oxides by heating in limited air. This is known as Calcination.

Roasting

Calcination

Reduction-metal oxides can be reduced to metals using a reducing agent such as Carbon.

Extracting metals towards the top of the activity series

The metals are highly reactive. They cannot be obtained by heating. For Example, Sodium, magnesium and calcium are obtained by the electrolysis of their molten chlorides.

At cathode  Na+ + e- → Na

At anode   2Cl- → Cl2 + 2e-

Refining of Metals

Refining of impure metal is done using electrolytic refining. Impure copper is used as anode and a strip of pure copper is used as Cathode. Acidified copper sulphate is used as an electrolyte. When an electric current is passed through this, impure metal from the anode gets deposited in the electrolyte solution, whereas pure metal from the electrolyte is deposited at the cathode.

Deposition of insoluble residue formed from the dissolution of the anode during commercial electrolysis.

Fig.2. Electrolytic refining

Corrosion

When exposed to moist air for a long period of time, metals become corroded. This is known as Corrosion. For Example, Silver reacts with moist air and becomes black in colour due to silver sulphide coating.

Iron + oxygen → Iron (III) oxide

Fe + O­ 2 → Fe2O3

Prevention of Corrosion

• Rusting of iron can be prevented by oiling, galvanising, painting, greasing etc.
• To protect steel and iron from rusting, a thin layer of zinc is coated on them, this is known as Galvanization.

Alloy

Mixture of two or more metals or metal and non-metal is known as Alloy. For Example,

• Brass is an alloy of copper and zinc.
• Bronze is an alloy of copper and tin.
• Solder is an alloy of lead and tin.

Online CBSE Revision Notes for Class 10 Science Chapter 3 Metals and Non-Metals FAQs

1. How can online revision notes for Metals and Nonmetals help me prepare for exams? 

• The revision notes for CBSE Class 10 Science Metals and Non-Metals are the best study materials for revising the chapter in just 20 minutes or less. 
• The notes include pointwise explanations for every topic of the chapter, making it easier for students to understand every concept.
• The notes are based on the latest CBSE syllabus for Class 10 Science. 
• The notes also help in doubt-solving, making it easier for students to solidify their conceptual understanding. 

2. Where can I find the NCERT Solutions for Class 10 Science Chapter 3 Metals and Non-Metals? 

The askIITians Science experts have prepared NCERT Solutions for Metals and Non-Metals with complete explanations. You can download these solutions from our website for free. These solutions are based on the latest CBSE exam pattern and syllabus for class 10 Science. Referring to them will solidify your understanding of the chapter topics and make it easier for you to prepare for the board exam. 

3. How to study the Metals and Non-Metals chapter to get full marks in the exam? 

• Read the NCERT chapter carefully. Underline all important definitions. 
• Use our revision notes as a guide for the chapter to understand the concepts included in it. 
• Refer to our NCERT Solutions and prepare answers for every question in the chapter. 
• Use flashcards, mind maps, practice worksheets to memorise the chemical reactions included in this chapter. 

4. I need more help in Class 10 Science. What should I do? 

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