Class X Chemistry β’ Chapter 2 β’ Enhanced Interactive Study Guide
By S.K.Sinha β’ Free Test Maker.com
π Introduction to Elements
Elements are the building blocks of matter. Based on their properties, elements are classified into metals, non-metals, and metalloids. Understanding these classifications helps us predict their behavior and applications.
Classification of Elements
βοΈ
Metals
~80% of elements
π¨
Non-metals
~17% of elements
π¬
Metalloids
~3% of elements
π¨ Physical Properties of Metals
Metals: Elements that tend to lose electrons and form positive ions (cations). They have characteristic physical and chemical properties that distinguish them from non-metals.
π§ Malleability
Definition: Ability to be hammered into thin sheets
Example: Aluminum foil, gold leaf
Reason: Metallic bonding allows layers to slide
π§΅ Ductility
Definition: Ability to be drawn into thin wires
Example: Copper wires, silver threads
Application: Electrical cables, jewelry
β¨ Metallic Luster
Definition: Shiny appearance when polished
Reason: Free electrons reflect light
Examples: Gold, silver, copper
β‘ Electrical Conductivity
Definition: Ability to conduct electricity
Best Conductors: Silver > Copper > Gold
Reason: Mobile electrons carry current
π‘οΈ Thermal Conductivity
Definition: Ability to conduct heat
Examples: Copper pots, aluminum cookware
Exception: Lead is a poor thermal conductor
π Sonority
Definition: Produce sound when struck
Examples: Bells, musical instruments
Application: Church bells, cymbals
π¬ Exceptional Cases
Mercury: Liquid metal at room temperature
Sodium & Potassium: Soft metals, can be cut with knife
Lead: Poor conductor of heat
Gallium: Melts in hand (melting point 29.8Β°C)
Property
Typical Metals
Exceptions
State at room temperature
Solid
Mercury (liquid)
Hardness
Hard
Sodium, Potassium (soft)
Melting Point
High
Gallium, Cesium (low)
Density
High
Lithium, Sodium (low)
π¨ Physical Properties of Non-metals
Non-metals: Elements that tend to gain electrons and form negative ions (anions). They have properties opposite to metals in many cases.
π Brittleness
Definition: Break easily when hammered
Example: Sulfur, carbon (graphite)
Reason: Covalent bonds are directional
π«οΈ Dull Appearance
Definition: No metallic luster
Exception: Iodine, graphite (shiny)
Reason: No free electrons to reflect light
π« Poor Conductors
Electrical: Insulators (except graphite)
Thermal: Poor heat conductors
Reason: No mobile electrons
π Variable States
Solid: Carbon, sulfur, phosphorus
Liquid: Bromine
Gas: Oxygen, nitrogen, chlorine
π¬ Special Non-metals
Graphite: Only non-metal that conducts electricity
Diamond: Hardest natural substance
Iodine: Non-metal with metallic luster
Bromine: Only liquid non-metal at room temperature
π§ͺ Common Non-metals and Their Uses
Non-metal
Symbol
State
Uses
Carbon
C
Solid
Pencils, steel making, diamonds
Oxygen
O
Gas
Respiration, combustion, medical
Sulfur
S
Solid
Vulcanizing rubber, medicines
Chlorine
Cl
Gas
Water purification, bleaching
Nitrogen
N
Gas
Fertilizers, preserving food
βοΈ Chemical Properties
π¬ Electronic Configuration & Chemical Behavior
The chemical properties of elements depend on their electronic configuration, particularly the number of valence electrons (outermost electrons).
Na
β
NaβΊ
+ eβ»
Valence Electrons: Electrons in the outermost shell that determine chemical properties.
Metals: 1-3 valence electrons (tend to lose)
Non-metals: 4-8 valence electrons (tend to gain)
β‘ Reaction with Oxygen
Metals with Oxygen:
4Na + Oβ β 2NaβO (Basic oxide) Sodium burns with golden flame
Non-metals with Oxygen:
C + Oβ β COβ (Acidic oxide)
S + Oβ β SOβ (Acidic oxide) Form acidic oxides
π§ Reaction with Water
Reactive Metals:
2Na + 2HβO β 2NaOH + Hββ Sodium floats and produces hydrogen gas
Less Reactive Metals:
Mg + HβO β MgO + Hββ (with steam) Magnesium reacts only with steam
Water Reactivity Order:
K, Na, Ca react vigorously with cold water
Mg reacts with hot water/steam
Al, Zn, Fe react with steam
Cu, Ag, Au do not react with water
π§ͺ Reaction with Acids
Metal + Acid β Salt + Hydrogen
Zn + 2HCl β ZnClβ + Hββ Hydrogen gas evolved (pop test)
Important Points:
Only metals above hydrogen in reactivity series react
Copper, silver, gold do not react with dilute acids
Nitric acid is an oxidizing agent (special case)
Hydrogen gas test: burns with 'pop' sound
π Reactivity Series
Reactivity Series: Arrangement of metals in order of their decreasing reactivity with water, acids, and oxygen.
Potassium (K)
Most Reactive
Sodium (Na)
React with cold water
Calcium (Ca)
Violent reactions
Magnesium (Mg)
React with steam
Aluminum (Al)
Protected by oxide layer
Zinc (Zn)
React with dilute acids
Iron (Fe)
Moderate reactivity
Lead (Pb)
Low reactivity
Hydrogen (H)
Reference point
Copper (Cu)
No reaction with dilute acids
Silver (Ag)
Noble metals
Gold (Au)
Least Reactive
π¬ Applications of Reactivity Series
Displacement Reactions: More reactive metal displaces less reactive
Extraction Methods: Determines extraction process
Corrosion Protection: Galvanization uses zinc
Storage: Reactive metals stored under oil
β‘ Displacement Reactions
Metal + Salt Solution β New Metal + New Salt
Zn + CuSOβ β ZnSOβ + Cu Zinc displaces copper (blue β colorless)
Cu + ZnSOβ β No Reaction Copper cannot displace zinc
π Occurrence of Metals
Minerals: Naturally occurring compounds of metals in the earth's crust. Ores: Minerals from which metals can be extracted profitably.
Metal
Important Ores
Chemical Formula
Type
Aluminum
Bauxite
AlβOβΒ·2HβO
Oxide ore
Iron
Hematite, Magnetite
FeβOβ, FeβOβ
Oxide ore
Copper
Copper pyrites
CuFeSβ
Sulfide ore
Zinc
Zinc blende
ZnS
Sulfide ore
Lead
Galena
PbS
Sulfide ore
Silver
Argentite
AgβS
Sulfide ore
Gold
Native gold
Au
Free state
Occurrence Facts:
Most reactive metals occur as compounds (oxides, sulfides, carbonates)
Least reactive metals (Au, Ag, Pt) occur in free state
Aluminum is the most abundant metal in earth's crust (8%)
Iron is the second most abundant metal (4%)
βοΈ Extraction of Metals
Metallurgy: The science and technology of extracting metals from ores and refining them for use.
ποΈ Concentration
Removal of unwanted materials (gangue) from ore
Methods: Gravity separation, magnetic separation, froth flotation
π₯ Calcination/Roasting
Calcination: Heating carbonate/hydroxide ores in absence of air
Ionic Compounds: Compounds formed by transfer of electrons from metals to non-metals, resulting in electrostatic attraction between oppositely charged ions.
Non-metals gain electrons to form anions (-ve ions)
Total positive charge = Total negative charge
Ions achieve noble gas configuration
Formula represents simplest ratio of ions
π§ͺ Interactive Quiz Section
1. Which metal is the best conductor of electricity?
A) Silver
B) Copper
C) Gold
D) Aluminum
2. Which non-metal conducts electricity?
A) Diamond
B) Graphite
C) Sulfur
D) Phosphorus
3. The process used to prevent rusting by coating with zinc is called:
A) Anodizing
B) Galvanization
C) Electroplating
D) Painting
4. Which alloy is used in aircraft manufacturing?
A) Brass
B) Bronze
C) Duralumin
D) Steel
π Summary & Key Takeaways
π― Chapter Summary:
Metals are malleable, ductile, lustrous, and good conductors
Non-metals are brittle, dull, and poor conductors (except graphite)
Reactivity series helps predict metal behavior
Extraction method depends on metal's reactivity
Corrosion is prevented by barrier methods and alloying
Alloys have improved properties compared to pure metals
Ionic compounds form by electron transfer between metals and non-metals
π¬ Important Reactions to Remember
Metal + Acid β Salt + Hydrogen Metal + Water β Metal hydroxide + Hydrogen Metal + Oxygen β Metal oxide Thermite: FeβOβ + 2Al β AlβOβ + 2Fe
π Study Tips
π Practice Problems
π§ͺ Problem Set 1: Properties
Why do metals conduct electricity while non-metals don't?
Explain why aluminum doesn't corrode easily despite being reactive.
What would happen if zinc is added to copper sulfate solution?
Why is sodium stored under oil?
βοΈ Problem Set 2: Reactions & Equations
Complete: Mg + HCl β _____ + _____
Write the reaction for extraction of iron from FeβOβ
What happens when calcium reacts with water?
Balance: Al + CuSOβ β Alβ(SOβ)β + Cu
π¬ Problem Set 3: Applications
Why is stainless steel preferred for surgical instruments?
How does galvanization protect iron from rusting?
Why are electrical wires made of copper and not silver?
What is the advantage of using alloys over pure metals?
π¬ Advanced Concepts
π Industrial Applications
β‘ Electrolytic Refining
Used to purify crude metals like copper
At Anode: Cu β CuΒ²βΊ + 2eβ» At Cathode: CuΒ²βΊ + 2eβ» β Cu Pure copper deposits at cathode
Impurities settle as anode mud
99.9% pure copper obtained
Used for electrical applications
ποΈ Blast Furnace (Iron Extraction)
Zone 1: Top (200Β°C)
FeβOβ + 3CO β 2Fe + 3COβ
Zone 2: Middle (700Β°C)
C + Oβ β COβ COβ + C β 2CO
Zone 3: Bottom (1500Β°C)
CaCOβ β CaO + COβ CaO + SiOβ β CaSiOβ (slag)