CBSE Class 10 Science: Metals and Non-Metals — Important Questions with Answers 2026

Short Answer Questions (2-3 Marks)

• Q: List five physical properties of metals and non-metals.
  Ans: Metals: (1) Lustrous (shiny). (2) Malleable (can be beaten into sheets). (3) Ductile (can be drawn into wires). (4) Good conductors of heat and electricity. (5) Sonorous (produce ringing sound). (6) Generally solid (except mercury). Non-metals: (1) Non-lustrous (dull, except iodine). (2) Brittle. (3) Non-ductile. (4) Poor conductors (except graphite). (5) Non-sonorous. (6) Exist in all states (C-solid, Br-liquid, O-gas).
• Q: What is the reactivity series? Arrange Cu, Fe, Zn, Au, Na in decreasing order of reactivity.
  Ans: The reactivity series arranges metals in decreasing order of their chemical reactivity. Decreasing order: Na > Zn > Fe > Cu > Au. Most reactive metals (K, Na, Ca) react vigorously with water and air. Moderately reactive (Zn, Fe) react with acids and steam. Least reactive (Cu, Ag, Au) found in free state in nature.
• Q: Explain the extraction of metals of medium reactivity from their oxides.
  Ans: Metals of medium reactivity (Zn, Fe, Pb, Cu) are extracted by reduction of their oxides. Step 1: Roasting — heating sulphide ore in air to convert to oxide. 2ZnS + 3O₂ → 2ZnO + 2SO₂. Step 2: Reduction — using carbon (coke). ZnO + C → Zn + CO. For iron: Fe₂O₃ + 3C → 2Fe + 3CO (in blast furnace). Carbon acts as a reducing agent.

Long Answer / Application Questions (4-6 Marks)

• Q: What is an ionic bond? Explain the formation of MgCl₂.
  Ans: An ionic bond is formed by the transfer of electrons from a metal to a non-metal. Formation of MgCl₂: Mg (2,8,2) loses 2 electrons → Mg²⁺ (2,8). Each Cl (2,8,7) gains 1 electron → Cl⁻ (2,8,8). Two Cl atoms are needed for one Mg. Mg²⁺ and 2Cl⁻ are held together by strong electrostatic attraction. Properties of MgCl₂: high melting point, conducts electricity when molten/dissolved, soluble in water.

Exam Tips for This Chapter

• Revise all definitions and laws from Metals and Non-Metals — they are commonly asked as 1-2 mark questions
• Practice diagrams related to Metals and Non-Metals — neat labelled diagrams carry 2-3 marks
• For numericals, always show formula → substitution → answer with correct units
• Previous year analysis shows Metals and Non-Metals carries 8-12 marks in the board exam