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CBSE Class 10 Science Question 15 of 16

Metals and Non-metals — Question 3

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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 :

MetalIron (II) sulphateCopper (II) sulphateZinc sulphateSilver nitrate
ANo reactionDisplacement    
BDisplacement  No reaction  
CNo reactionNo reactionNo reactionDisplacement
DNo reactionNo reactionNo reactionNo reaction

Use the table given 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

(i) B is showing displacement reaction with iron (II) sulphate and no reaction with silver nitrate, hence, the metal lies above iron and below zinc. As we know metals at the top of the metal reactivity series are most reactive, therefore, B is the most reactive metal.

(ii) When B is added to a solution of copper (II) sulphate, displacement reaction will take place. Blue colour of copper sulphate will fade and reddish brown copper will settle down.

(iii) The decreasing order of reactivity is:

B > A > C > D

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Science | Chapter 3: Metals and Non-MetalsWeb Content

Chapter 3: Metals and Non-Metals — Quick Revision Guide

Introduction

Metals and non-metals have contrasting physical and chemical properties. This chapter covers their properties, reactivity series, ionic bonding, extraction of metals from ores, and corrosion prevention.

Key Points at a Glance

  1. Metals: lustrous, malleable, ductile, good conductors, sonorous, high m.p./b.p. Exceptions: Hg (liquid), Na/K (soft), Na/K/Li (low density)
  2. Non-metals: dull, brittle, poor conductors, low m.p./b.p. Exceptions: iodine (lustrous), diamond (hardest), graphite (conductor)
  3. Metals react with O2 (basic oxides), H2O, dilute acids, and salt solutions based on reactivity
  4. Reactivity series: K > Na > Ca > Mg > Al > Zn > Fe > ... > H > Cu > Ag > Au
  5. Ionic bonding: electron transfer from metal to non-metal; ionic compounds have high m.p., are hard, brittle, conduct electricity when molten/dissolved
  6. Extraction depends on reactivity: high (electrolysis), medium (reduction with C), low (heating in air)
  7. Thermite reaction: Fe2O3 + 2Al → 2Fe + Al2O3 (railway welding)
  8. Electrolytic refining: anode = impure, cathode = pure, electrolyte = metal salt solution
  9. Alloys: brass (Cu+Zn), bronze (Cu+Sn), stainless steel (Fe+Cr+Ni+C), solder (Pb+Sn); improve properties

Real-World Connections

Gold/silver jewellery uses alloys for hardness; galvanised iron sheets resist rusting; aluminium foil for food packaging; copper wiring in electrical circuits; stainless steel utensils resist corrosion.

Quick Self-Test (5 Questions)

  1. What is the most important concept you learned from this chapter?
  2. Can you write three key equations/formulae from this chapter from memory?
  3. Draw a labelled diagram relevant to this chapter without looking at your notes.
  4. Explain one real-world application of a concept from this chapter.
  5. What is one common mistake students make in this chapter, and how can you avoid it?

Further Study

  • NCERT Textbook Chapter 3
  • NCERT Exemplar Problems
  • Bright Tutorials Detailed Notes: ch03-metals-non-metals.html
  • Bright Tutorials Practice Questions: ch03-metals-non-metals.html
  • Previous Year CBSE Board Papers

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