Class X Chemistry โข Chapter 3 โข NCERT Enhanced
Elements are broadly classified into metals and non-metals based on their physical and chemical properties. This classification helps us understand their behavior, applications, and role in our daily lives.
Out of 118 known elements, about 78 are metals! Metals make up most of the periodic table and are essential for life and technology.
Metals: Shiny appearance when freshly cut (e.g., silver, gold)
Non-metals: Dull appearance (except iodine and graphite)
Metals: Can be hammered into thin sheets
Non-metals: Brittle, break when hammered
Metals: Can be drawn into wires
Non-metals: Cannot be drawn into wires
Metals: Good conductors of heat and electricity
Non-metals: Poor conductors (except graphite)
Metals: Produce sound when struck
Non-metals: Do not produce sound
Metals: Generally high density
Non-metals: Generally low density
Most metals react with oxygen to form metal oxides, which are generally basic in nature.
Non-metals react with oxygen to form non-metal oxides, which are generally acidic in nature.
Metals react with water to produce metal hydroxides and hydrogen gas.
Alkali metals (Na, K) react violently with water and can cause explosions. Always handle with extreme care!
Metals above hydrogen in the reactivity series react with acids to produce salt and hydrogen gas.
Some metals react with bases to produce salt and hydrogen gas.
| Property | Metals | Non-metals | 
|---|---|---|
| Physical State | Solid (except Hg) | Solid, liquid, or gas | 
| Luster | Shiny (metallic luster) | Dull (except I2, graphite) | 
| Malleability | Malleable | Brittle | 
| Ductility | Ductile | Non-ductile | 
| Conductivity | Good conductor | Poor conductor (except graphite) | 
| Sonority | Sonorous | Non-sonorous | 
| Density | High | Low | 
| Melting Point | Generally high | Generally low | 
| Oxides | Basic oxides | Acidic oxides | 
| Electrons | Lose electrons (cations) | Gain electrons (anions) | 
The reactivity series is an arrangement of metals in order of their decreasing reactivity.
Unreactive metals like gold, silver, and platinum are found in free state in nature.
Most metals are found in combined state as:
Aim: To test the physical properties of metals
Materials: Iron nail, copper wire, aluminum foil, zinc granules
Procedure:
Observation: All metals show metallic luster, malleability, conductivity, and sonority.
Removal of impurities from ore to get concentrated ore.
Conversion of metal oxides to free metals using reducing agents.
Purification of crude metal to remove impurities.
Corrosion is the gradual destruction of metals due to chemical reaction with environment.
(Hydrated Iron(III) oxide - Rust)
Coating with paint prevents contact with air and moisture
Applying oil or grease creates protective layer
Coating iron with zinc prevents rusting
Mixing metals to improve properties and reduce corrosion
Alloys are homogeneous mixtures of metals with other metals or non-metals.
| Alloy | Composition | Properties | Uses | 
|---|---|---|---|
| Steel | Fe + C (0.1-1.5%) | Hard, strong, malleable | Construction, tools | 
| Stainless Steel | Fe + Cr + Ni | Corrosion resistant | Utensils, surgical instruments | 
| Brass | Cu + Zn | Malleable, corrosion resistant | Decorative items, musical instruments | 
| Bronze | Cu + Sn | Hard, corrosion resistant |