Bright Tutorials Bright Tutorials
CBSE Class 10 Science Question 3 of 16

Metals and Non-metals — Question 5

Back to all questions
5
Question

Questions 5

You are given a hammer, a battery, a bulb, wires and switch.

(a) How could you use them to distinguish between samples of metals and non-metals?

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

Answer

(a) Method 1 — On striking with hammer if the sample takes the shape of a sheet, it is a metal. A non-metal will break into pieces, hence, the two can be distinguished.

Method 2 — Set up an electric circuit using a battery, a bulb, wires and switch as shown in the figure below.

You are given a hammer, a battery, a bulb, wires and switch. How could you use them to distinguish between samples of metals and non-metals? ICSE 2024 Specimen Physics Solved Question Paper.

Place the element to be tested between the terminals A and B. If the bulb glows, then the sample is a metal, if not, then it is a non-metal.

(b) Method 1 — When struck by hammer, metals being malleable turn into sheets whereas non-metals being brittle break into pieces.
Method 2 — Metals are good conductors of electricity, hence the bulb glows whereas non-metals are poor conductors of electricity.

Web Content: Metals and Non-Metals | Bright Tutorials
BRIGHT TUTORIALS
Bright Tutorials Logo
BRIGHT TUTORIALS
CBSE Class X | Academic Year 2026-2027
9403781999
Excellence in Education
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

Bright Tutorials | Hariom Nagar, Nashik Road | 9403781999 | brighttutorials.in