CHEMISTRY-CBSE

GRADE X - TEACHING NOTES

Metals and non-metals

Glossary
1. Metals
2. Non-metals
3. Lustrous
4. Sonority
5. Malleability
6. Ductility
7. Good conductors of heat and electricity
8. Oxides of metals and non-metals
9. Displacement reaction
10. Minerals and Ores
11. Froth flotation
12. Distillation
13. Alumino thermite process
14. Liquation
15. Electrolytic refining
16. Smelting
17. Roasting
18. Calcination
19. Corrosion
20. Alloys
SYNOPSIS
 At present, 118 elements are known out of these 80% of these elements are metals and
rest are non-metals
All metals do not occur in free state.

 More reactive metals 

 Occur in combine state

 Least reactive metals 

 Free state
Ex: Cu, Ag, Au, Pt
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Based on the physical state most of the metals are solids but some are liquids
Examples of liquid metals:- Mercury, Gallium, Caesium
Note: One & only liquid non-metal: Bromine

 Strategic metals: Fe, Mn, Ti, Cr (used in defense equipment as they are light and
durable)
Coinage metals: Gold, Silver, Copper and Platinum
Most abundant metal in the Earth’s Crust: Aluminium

 Metals are electro positive in nature and they forms cations by losing electron.

 s, d, f block elements are metals

 f-block elements are radioactive metals

 p-block consists of metals, non-metals & semi-metals.

Physical properties of metals:
1) Physical state: Most of the metals are solid under normal conditions of temperature
and pressure, but some metals are liquid in state
Ex: Mercury, Gallium
2) Hardness of Metals: Most of the metals are hard. But some are soft in nature
Sodium, Potassium, Magnesium (We can cut with knife)
3) Malleability of Metals: (Beaten into sheets)
Best Malleable metals:- i) Gold ii) Silver
Highly malleable metals: i) Copper ii) Aluminium
Exception: Zinc metal cannot be beaten in to sheet due to its brittle nature.
4) Ductility of Metals: The ability of metals to be drawn in to thin wire.
Highly ductile metals: i) Platinum ii) Gold iii) Silver
iv) Copper v) Aluminium

Note: 100 mg Ag 
 200 meters of wire
1 gr Au 
 2 km length of wire.
Exceptions: Zinc, Arsenic & Antimony cannot be drawn into wires.
5) Thermal conductivity of Metals: The process in which a metal allows the flow of Heat
through it, is called it’s thermal conductivity
6) Electrical Conductivity of Metals: The property in which metal facilitates the flow of
electric current through it, is called electrical conductivity of metals
Best Conductor of Electricity: Silver
Good conductor of Electricity: Copper
Poor conductor of Electricity: Lead
Note: Conductivity of Metals because of delocalisation of electrons in metallic lattice
(Metallic Bond)

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7) Lustre of Metals:- Shining Property

 Most of the metals, in their pure state, have a shining surface.

8) Sonorous:

 The property of metals in which metals produce sound.

9) Melting and boiling points:

 Metals generally have very high melting point and boiling points due to strong metallic
bonds.
Exceptions: Sodium, Potassium, Gallium, Caesium metals have low M.P and B.P.
Lowest melting point metal: Mercury (–38.90C)
Highest melting point metal: Tungsten (3, 4220C)
10) Density:
Metals generally possess high densities except Alkali metals
Highest density metal: Iridium
Lowest density metal: Lithium
Tensile Strength:
Ability to withstand strain
Exceptions: Zinc, Mercury, Gallium, Sodium, Potassium and Calcium
Physical properties of Non-metals:
i) Physical state: Non-Metals may be solid, liquid (or) gases at room temperature.
Liquid non-metal: Bromine
Gaseous non-metals:- H2, O2, N2, F2, Cl2, He, Ne, Ar, Kr, Xe, Rn, UuO.

 Rest of all non-metals are solids

ii) Electrical and Thermal Conductivity: Non-metals are bad conductors of heat and
electricity due to unavailability of free electrons in the covalent lattice.
Exception: Graphite (Allotropic form of Carbon is good conductor of heat and electricity)
Reason: Due to availability of free electron in p-orbital.
iii) Non-lustrous:-
Non-metals are not shiny
Exceptions: Iodine and graphite are the only non-metals which have metallic lustre.
iv) Density: Non-metals have low density
Exception: Diamond (carbon)
v) Soft in Nature: Non metals are soft in nature
Exceptions: Diamond (carbon) -Hardest substance
vi) Melting and boiling points: Non-metals have both low melting and boiling points.
Exceptions: Carbon, Silicon, Boron have both high melting and high boiling points.

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DIFFERENCES IN PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF METALS AND NON-METALS

S.NO METALS NON-METALS

State: Metals are crystalline solids (except Non-metals are either gases or solids
1
mercury, which is a liquid) [Exception: Bromine is a liquid]
Metallic lustre: In their pure state, metals Non-metals are dull to look at, i.e., they cannot
2 shine. This property is called metallic lustre. be polished [Exceptions: Graphite and iodine
In other words, metals can be polished. are lustrous].
Non-metals have low density [Exception:
3 Density: Metals has high density
Diamond has high density]
Non-metals are not hard. If solid they are soft
Hardness: Metals are hard solids (except and brittle. For example, phosphorus and
4 sodium and potassium, which are soft and can sulphur are soft solids and iodine is brittle
be cut with a knife). {Exception: Diamond is the hardest natural
substance].
Non-metals have both low melting and low
Melting point: Metals have high melting points boiling points [Exceptions: Carbon, silicon and
5
and high boiling points boron have both high melting and high boiling
points].
Malleability: Metals are malleable, i.e., they
can be hammered into sheets. Gold, silver,
Non-metals are non-malleable. When they are
copper, aluminium and tin can be beaten into
6 hammered they turn into a powder, i.e., non-
very thin sheets called foils. (But zinc is
metals are of a brittle nature.
brittle, i.e., it breaks into pieces when it is
hammered)
Ductility: Metals are ductile, i.e., they can be
drawn into wires. Gold, silver, copper and
Non-metals are not ductile [Exception: Carbon
aluminium are highly ductile metals, gold
7 fibre, a recently developed allotrope of carbon,
being the most ductile of all metals.
is ductile]
[Exception: Zinc, arsenic & antimony cannot be
drawn into wires]
Tensile strength: Metals have high tensile Non-metals have low tensile strength
8 strength, i.e., they can bear a lot of strain [Exception: Carbon fibre has high tensile
[Exception: Zinc] strength].
Thermal and electrical conductivity: Metals
Non-metals are bad conductors of heat and
are good conductors of heat and electricity.
9 electricity [Exceptions: Graphite is good
Silver is the best conductor of heat and
conductor of heat and electricity].
electricity.
Sonority: Metals produce a twangy sound Solid non-metals do not produce a sound when
10 when they are struck with a hard object, i.e., they are struck, i.e., they are not sonorous
they are sonorous substances. substances.
Chemical Properties Metals:-

 Metals in general are electropositive in nature and can lose 1 (or) 2 (or) 3 electrons
present in valence shell to form cation.

 Na 1 Octet configuration 
Na 
Ex:
2)8)1) 2)8)  Neon Configuration 

By doing so they achieve the electronic configuration of the nearest noble gas element.
Note: Caesium (Cs) is the most electropositive element known.
2) Formation of Metal oxides:

 Metal Oxides are basic in nature.

G.F: Metal + Oxygen 

 Metal oxide
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 Na, K react vigorously with O2 and easily start burning when kept open in air, so that Na,
K stored under kerosene.

 Metals like Al, Fe, Zn etc. are less reactive and limit the reaction to surface only.

 Note: Ag, Au do not react with O2 and are called noble (or) inert metals

Ex:- 2Mg + O2 
 2Mgo
Info: It is a combination Reaction

 It is an Exothermic Reaction


 Mg burns with white dazzling flame.


Colours of flame:

i) K+O2 
 Lilac
ii) Na + O2 
 Orange - Yellow
iii) Li + O2 
 Red
3) Formation of Metal hydroxide:

 Metal oxides are generally insoluble in water, but oxides of group 1 and 2 Elements
dissolve in water to form alkalis (Hydroxides).
G.F: Metal oxide + H2O 
 Metal Hydroxide

Na2O 

 K 2O  dissolve in water to form so lub le Hydroxides known as alkalis
MgO 

CaO 
  reacts with water to form in so lub le Hydroxides
Al2O3 
Note: List of amphoteric oxides:-
Be, Sn, Ge, Al, Pb metal oxides are amphoteric in nature. (Acidic and Basic both)
Metal reactivity series:-
K  Na  Ca  Mg  Al  Zn  Fe  Sn  Pb  H 2  Cu  Hg  Ag  Au  Pt
 More reactive Moderate reactive Least reactive
4) Metal reaction with Acids:-
G.F: Metal + Dil. Acid 
 Metal Salt + H2 
Ex: 2 Na  HCl 
 2 Nacl  H 2 
Mg  H 2 SO4 
 MgSo4  H 2 
Note: Cu, Ag, Au, Pt, Hg do not react with acids because they are less reactive then
Hydrogen.
Ex: Cu  H 2 SO4 
 No Reaction

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Story of Royal Water:-

Aqua - regia:- (Royal Water) 
 3 : 1 of conc. HCl and Conc. HNO3 mixture
 It is a red (or) yellow liquid

 Goldsmiths use aqua-regia for cleaning Gold and Platinum ornaments

5) Metal reaction with Hydrogen:-
G.F: Metal + H2 
 Metal Hydride
Ex: Ca  H 2 
 CaH 2 ( s )
( Hydrolith )

6) Reaction with Cl2:-

G.F: Metal  X 2 
 Metal Halide( X  F ,Cl , Br , I )
Ex: 2Na+Cl2 
 2NaCl
Mg + Cl2  MgCl2
Note: Generally all Metal halides of IA, IIA, IIIA group elements are Ionic in nature
Exception: BeCl2, LiCl, BCl3, AlCl3 are covalent in nature.
Note: AlF3 
 Ionic in nature
AlCl3   Covalent in Nature
Reason: due small size, High I.E
7) Reaction of Metals with Salt solutions:
Life of Hydrated salts:
Formula Name of the substance
1) CuSO4.5H2O   Blue vitrol
2) FeSO4.7H2O 
 Green vitrol
3) MgSO4. 7H2O 
 Epsom Salt
4) ZnSO4. 2H2O 
 White vitrol
5) CaSO4.2H2O 
 Gypsum
1
6) CaSO4. HO 
 Plaster of Paris
2 2
7) Alum 
 K 2SO 4.Al 2(SO 4) 3.24H 2O

8) Washing Soda 
 Na2CO3.10H2O

9) Glauber’s salt 
 Na2SO 4.10H 2O

10) Mohr’s salt 

 FeSO 4.(NH 4) 2SO 4.6H 2O
Hydrated salts named as:

Ex: Na2CO3.10H2O 
 Hydrated Sodium carbonate

1
Ex: CaSO4. HO  Calcium sulphate hemihydrate
2 2 

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More reactive metal + Metal salt solution 

 Metal salt solution + less reactive metal

1) Zn ( s )  CuSO4 ( aq ) 
 ZnSO4( aq )  Cu ( s )
( Blue ) (White )

2) Fe  CuSO4( aq ) 
 FeSO4( aq )  Cu ( s )
( Blue ) ( Green )

3)
Cu  FeSO4( aq ) 
 No Re action
( Less reactive )
( More reacitve )
( Green )

Note: More reactive metal displace less reactive metal but less reactive metal cannot
displace more reactive metal.
8) Reaction with water:

G.F.: Metal + H2O 

 Metal hydroxide + H2  +Heat Energy
Note: (Metal 
 Na, K, Ca, Mg)
Note: Na, K more reactive so react violently with cold water

Note: Ca, Mg  reacts with Hot Water

G.F.: Metal  H 2O 
 Metal Oxide  H 2 
( Steam )

Note: (Metals: Al, Zn, Fe, etc)

Ex: 2Al + 3H2O 

 Al2O3+3H2 


 Fe O +4H 
Ex: 3Fe + 4H2O 
 3 4(s) 2

Note:

Reason: due to their low reactivity

Note: Metal + H2O reaction explains the reactivity of metals.

Na, K Ca, Mg Al , Zn, Fe Cu , Hg , Ag , Au , Pt

, , Sn, Pb, H 2
Cold water Hot Water Steam No Re action
9) Reducing behaviour of metals:-
Metals are good reducing agents

Ex:  Na 1  e ( Loss of e  oxidation)

Na 
2)8)1) 2)8)

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 Cl 1 ( gain of e 
Cl  e   Re duction)
2)8)7) 2)8)8)

Na   Cl  
 Nacl
 
R. A O. A

Chemical properties of Non-metals:

Non-metal + O2 
 Non-metal oxide
C + O2 
 CO2
S + O2 
 SO2
2S + 3O2 
 2SO3
(Excess)
 Non-metal oxides are acidic in nature
Reason: Non-metal oxides react with water to form acids.
Find the acidity order of the following oxides.
i) N2O5 NO2 N 2O 3

Note: Oxidation number  Acidity 

 N2O5  NO2
Let  N = x Let  N = x
2x-5x-2=0 x - 2x-2=0
x=5 x=4
 N2O3
2x – 3x – 2 = 0
2x – 6 = 0
x=3
Order of acidity:- N2O5 > NO2 > N2O3

Cl2O7  SO3  N 2O5  CO2  SiO2

ii)     
7 6 5 4 4

Note: In Period L 
 R acidic character  Basic character 
In group T 
 B Acidic Character  Basic Character 

Cl2O7  Cl2O6  ClO2  ClO

iii)    
7 6 4 2

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Note: Some non-metal oxides are neutral in Nature

Neutral Oxides: NO, N2O, CO, H2O
Amphoteric oxides of Non-Metals:-
Oxides of As, Sb, Ge are amphoteric (Semi-metals)
Contact Process:-

V2O5
2 SO2  O2 2 SO3 ( g )
( gas ) ( gas ) (723 K )

Catalyst: V2O5
This reaction forms the basis of the commercial preparation of sulphuric acid by contact
process.
2) Non-Metals form anions:-
 Non-metals are highly electronegative
 They have an urge to accept electrons to achieve the nearest noble gas configuration
 Non - metals are good oxidising agents.

Ex: F2)7)  e 
 F(2,8)

 O(2,8)
O2)6)  2e  2

Reaction with Cl2:-

Non-metals are electronegative in nature and therefore cannot transfer electrons to Halo-
gens to form ionic bond, instead they react with Halogens to form Covalent Halides.
Halogens.
Ex: 2P + 3Cl2 
 2PCl3
2P + 5Cl2 
 2PCl5 (Hyper valent covalent molecules)
4) Formation of Hydrides:-
Non-metal hydrides are covalent hydrides.

Ex: S + H2 
 H2S
Haber’s Process:-
 2NH
N2(g) + 3H2(g)  3(g) (Ammonia)

Temp: 5000C
Pressure: 200 atm
Catalyst: Fe
Promotor: Mo

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5) Reaction with Salt Solution:-
A more reactive non-metal displaces a less reactive non-metal from its salt solution

Ex: 2NaBr+Cl2 
 2NaCl+Br2
Ex: 2NaCl+I2 
 No Reaction
Order of Halogen Reactivity:- F2 > Cl2 > Br2 > I2
6) Reaction with Acids:-
Non- metals do not react with dilute acids at all.
Reason: They are electronegative in nature and thus cannot displace Hydrogen from
acids.
Highest Electro Negativity Element - F
Uses of Metals
 Metals are used to make electric wires, since they are good conductors of electricity.
Examples include Copper and Aluminium.

 Some metals such as Zinc are used for galvanizing iron, as a protective layer against
rusting.

 Metals such as Aluminium, Copper and Iron are used to make utensils.
 Mercury is used in thermometers.
 Metals such as Silver, Gold and Platinum are used to make jewellery.
 Nickel and Chromium are used for electroplating.
 Metals being very hard and strong, are used as building materials.
Corrosion of Metals
If a metal is reactive, its surface is attacked slowly by air and water (moisture). There is a
chemical reaction between the metal and moist air, which tarnishes the metal, e.g.,
Copper, Silver. Gradually the chemical reaction takes place underneath the surface and
eats away the whole metal.

 Silver: When Silver objects are exposed to air, they are tarnished, i.e. they lose their
shine. Silver is quite an unreactive metal, therefore it does not react easily with oxygen.
However, it combines with Hydrogen sulphide (H2S) gas, which is present in air, to form a
black coating of Silver sulphide (Ag2S).

 Aluminium: Aluminium vessels lose their shine after sometime due to formation of a
layer of Aluminium oxide on the surface of the metal. This thin layer of oxide is unreactive
and protects the metal from further damage.

 Copper: Copper is quite an unreactive metal. However, it is also corroded, though

slowly, when it is exposed to moist air. When a Copper object is exposed to moist air, it
forms a greenish layer which is due to the formation of basic Copper carbonate.

2Cu  CO2  O 2  H 2O  

CuCO3  Cu (OH ) 2 

Copper Carbon Oxygen
dioxide Basic copper carbonate ( green )

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 Iron: Iron when exposed to moist air forms a brown powdery substance called rust. It is
not confined to the surface and slowly the whole metal is eaten up.

4 Fe  xH 2O  3O2  2 Fe2O3 .xH 2O

  
Rust ( hydrated iron oxide )

Rusting of iron can be prevented by

– Painting

– Applying grease and oil

– Electroplating iron by a more reactive metal like Tin or Chromium

– Galvanization of iron by zinc or tin.

Uses of Non metals

 Oxygen is essential for all living beings for breathing.

 Hydrogen is used in welding metals.

 Sulphur is used in the manufacture of sulphuric acid and it is used to make antiseptic
creams. Sulphur is also used in the vulcanization of rubber.

 Liquid hydrogen is used as a rocket fuel.

 Nitrogen is used in the manufacture of Ammonia and fertilizers. It is also used as preser-
vative due to its inert nature. Compounds of Nitrogen are used as explosives.

 Phosphorus is used in safety materials and in fire crackers.

 Graphite, a form of Carbon, is used in pencil leads and as electrodes. Diamond, another
form of Carbon is the hardest substance known, hence used to cut glass.

 Silicon is used to make computer chips, silica gel is used to absorb the moisture.

 Chlorine is used in treatment of water to kill germs.

List of Semi-metals:-

B, Si, Ge, As, Sb, Se, Te

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Alloys:

The homogeneous mixture of more than one metal (or) even metal and non-metal is
known as alloy.

Alloys, Their composition and uses:-

Alloy Composition Uses

Harder than pure Cu and Zn; used for making

1 Brass Cu = 80%, Zn=20%
utensils, cartridges

For making statues, medal, ships, coins,

2 Bronze Cu=90%, Sn=10%
machines, etc.

For joining metals, soldering wires, electronic

3 Solder Sn=50%, Pb=50%
components, etc.

Al = 95.5%, Cu = 3%, Mn = 1%, In bodies of aircrafts, kitchen ware,

4 Duralumin
Mg = 0.5% automobile parts, etc.

5 German silver Cu = 60%, Zn = 20%, Ni = 20% For making utensils, ornaments.

6 Gun metal Cu = 90%, Sn = 10% Gears, castings, etc.

7 Bell metal Cu = 78%, Sn = 22% Bells, gongs, etc.

8 Magnalium Al = 90%, Mg = 10% Balance beams, light instruments.

9 Type metal Pb = 82%, Sb = 15%, Sn = 3% Casting type

Fe = 90%, Mn = 0.35%, Cr =
10 Stainless steel Utensils, cutlery etc.
9%, C = 0.25%

Properties of Alloys:-
 Alloys are stronger than the metals from which they are made.
 Alloys are harder than the constituent metals.
 Alloys are more resistant to corrosion.
 Alloys have lower melting points than the constituent metals.
 Alloys leave lower electrical conductivity than pure metals.

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Story of Amalgam:-
An alloy of Mercury metal with one (or) more other metals is known as an amalgam.

Ex: Soda amalgam 

 mercury + ‘Na’ metal
Ex: Gold amalgam 
 mercury + gold metal
Note: Pt and Fe metals do not form Amalgam.
Story of Gold:
Purity of Gold is expressed in terms of ‘Carats’
1 Carat = 200 mg = 0.2 gr
Pure gold is said to be of 24 carats.
Pure gold is not suitable for making jewellery.
Ornamental Gold:
It is an alloy.
22 Parts of pure Gold is alloyed with 2 parts of either Silver (or) Copper for making jewellery.
Corrosion:-

Metal surface + air + H2O 

 Corrosion
Conditions necessary for corrosions:-
Presence of air
Presence of water
Rusting of Iron:-
2 Fe2O3 .xH 2O
 Fe + 3O2 + xH2O 

Rust
Rust Chemical name:- Hydrated Ferric oxide.
Prevention methods of Corrosion
Painting, oiling, greasing, electroplating
Galvanization:- Coating of metal surface with molten Zinc.
Tinning:- Coating of metal surface with tin
Anodising
Alloy
Corrosion of Copper:-

CuCo3 .Cu (OH ) 2

Cu  CO2  H 2O 


alkalinecoppercarbonate

Green in colour

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Corrosion of Silver:-

Bonding
How do metals and non-metals react?
Metals lose valence electron(s) and form cations.
Non-metals gain those electrons in their valence shell and form anions.
The cation and the anion are attracted to each other by strong electrostatic force, thus
forming an ionic bond.
For example: In Calcium chloride, the ionic bond is formed by opposite charged Calcium
and chloride ions.
Calcium atom loses 2 electrons and attains the electronic configuration of the nearest
noble gas (Ar). By doing so, it gains a net charge of +2.

The two Chlorine atoms take one electron each, thus gaining a charge of -1 (each) and
attain the electronic configuration of the nearest noble gas (Ar).

Ionic Compounds:
The electrostatic attractions between the oppositely charged ions hold the compound
together.
Example: MgCl2, CaO, MgO, NaCl etc.

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Properties of ionic compounds:

Ionic compounds
- Are usually crystalline solids (made of ions).
- Have high melting and boiling points.
- Conduct electricity when in aqueous solution and when melted.
- Are mostly soluble in water and polar solvents.
Occurrence of metals:
Most of the elements, especially metals occur in nature in the combined state with other
elements. All these compounds of metals are known as minerals. But out of them, only a
few are viable sources of that metal. Such sources are called ores.
Au, Pt – exist in the native or free state.
Extraction of pure metals from its ores/steps for extraction of metals from its ore
The first step is the enrichment of the ore.
Second step includes the extraction of metals.
Third steps involve refining of the metal.
Gangue - Ores contain different impurities in it such as sand, soil etc. These impurities
are known as Gangue.
Metals of high reactivity – Na, K, Mg, Al.
Metals of medium reactivity – Fe, Zn, Pb, Sn.
Metals of low reactivity – Cu, Ag, Hg
Enrichment of Ores:
It means the removal of impurities or gangue from ore, through various physical and
chemical processes. The technique used for a particular ore depends on the difference in
the properties of the ore and the gangue.
Extraction metals with highly reactive nature:
Electrolytic reduction:
1. Molten NaCl is electrolysed in a special apparatus.
At the cathode (reduction):

Na+ (molten) + e- 
 Na(s)
Metal is deposited.
At the anode (oxidation):

2Cl- (molten) 
 Cl2(g) + 2e–
Chlorine gas is liberated.
Extracting metals with moderately reactive nature:
These metals are moderately reactive. They exist as sulphides or carbonates in nature.
Before reduction, metal sulphides and carbonates must be converted into metal oxides.
Sulphide ores are converted into oxides by heating strongly in presence of excess air, this

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 CHEMISTRY-CBSE

is known as Roasting. Carbonate ores are converted into oxides by heating in limited air.
This is known as Calcination.
Roasting:
Converts sulphide ores into oxides on heating strongly in the presence of excess air.
It also removes volatile impurities.

2ZnS + 3O2   2ZnO + 2SO2
Calcination:
Converts carbonate and hydrated ores into oxides on heating strongly in the presence of
limited air. It also removes volatile impurities.

ZnCO3   ZnO + CO2

CaCO3   CaO + CO2

Al2O3.2H2O   2Al2O3 + 2H2O

2Fe2O3.3H2O   2Fe2O3 + 3H2O
Extracting Metals Low in Reactivity Series:
By self-reduction- when the sulphide ores of less electropositive metals like Hg, Pb, Cu
etc., are heated in air, a part of the ore gets converted to oxide which then reacts with the
remaining sulphide ore to give the crude metal and Sulphur dioxide. In this process, no
external reducing agent is used.

1. 2HgS (Cinnabar) + 3 O2   2HgO (crude metal) + 2SO2

2HgO   2Hg + O2

2. Cu2S (Copper pyrite) + 3 O2   2Cu2O + 2SO2

2. Cu2O + Cu2S   6Cu (crude metal) + SO2

3. 2PbS (Galena) + 3O2   2PbO + 2SO2
PbS +2PbO 
 2Pb (crude metal) + SO2
Refining of Metals:
Refining of metals – removing impurities or gangue from crude metal. It is the last step in
metallurgy and is based on the difference between the properties of metal and the gangue.
Electrolytic Refining:
Metals like Copper, Zinc, Nickel, Silver, Tin, Gold etc., are refined through electrolysis.
Anode: impure or crude metal
Cathode: a thin strip of pure metal
Electrolyte: aqueous solution of metal salt
From anode (oxidation): metal ions are released into the solution
At cathode (reduction): the equivalent amount of metal from solution is deposited
Impurities deposit at the bottom of the anode.

Teaching Notes 16
 CHEMISTRY-CBSE

NCERT Textual Questions

1. Which of the following pairs will give displacement reactions?
a) NaCl solution and Copper metal b) MgCl2 solution and Aluminium metal
c) FeSO4 solution and Silver metal d) AgNO3 solution and Copper metal.
Ans. (d) AgNO3 solution and Copper metal.
2. Which of the following methods is suitable for preventing an iron frying pan from
rusting?
a) Applying grease b) Applying paint c) Applying a coating of Zinc
d) All of the above.
Ans. (c) Applying a coating of Zinc (We can also apply grease and paint to prevent iron from
rusting. However, in case of Iron frying pan, grease and paint cannot be applied because
when the pan will be heated and washed again and again, the coating of grease and paint
would get destroyed.)
3. An element reacts with Oxygen to give a compound with a high melting point. This
compound is also soluble in water. The element is likely to be
a) Calcium b) Carbon c) Silicon d) Iron
Ans. (a) The element is likely to be Calcium.
4. Food cans are coated with Tin and not with Zinc because
a) Zinc is costlier than Tin.
b) Zinc has a higher melting point than Tin.
c) Zinc is more reactive than Tin. d) Zinc is less reactive than Tin.
Ans. (c) Food cans are coated with tin and not with Zinc because Zinc is more reactive than Tin.
5. You are given a hammer, a battery, a bulb, wires and a switch.
a) How could you use them to distinguish between samples of metals and nonmetals?
b) Assess the usefulness of these tests in distinguishing between metals and non-
metals.

Teaching Notes 17
 CHEMISTRY-CBSE

Ans. (a) When the sample is beaten and if it can be beaten into thin sheets (i.e., it is malleable),
then it is a metal otherwise a non-metal. Similarly, we can use the battery, bulb, wires,
and a switch to set up a circuit with the sample. If the sample conducts electricity, then it
is a metal otherwise a non-metal.
(b) The above tests are useful in distinguishing between metals and non-metals as these
are based on the physical properties. No chemical reactions are involved in these tests.
6. What are amphoteric oxides? Give two examples of amphoteric oxides.
Ans. Those oxides that behave as both acidic and basic oxides are called amphoteric oxides.
Examples: Aluminium oxide (Al2O3) (Basic)

Al2O3 + 6HCl 
 2AlCl3 + 3H2O (Basic)

Al2O3 + 2NaOH 
 2NaAlO2 + H2O (Acidic)
Zinc oxide (ZnO) is also an amphoteric oxide.
7. Name two metals which will displace Hydrogen from dilute acids and two metals which
will not.
Ans. Metals that are more reactive than Hydrogen displace it from dilute acids.
Ex: Sodium and Potassium.
Metals that are less reactive than Hydrogen do not displace it.
Ex: Copper and Silver.
8. In the electrolytic refining of a metal M, what would you take as the anode, the
cathode and the electrolyte?
Ans. In the electrolytic refining of a metal M:
Anode  Impure metal M
Cathode  Thin strip of pure metal M
Electrolyte  Solution of salt of the metal M.
9. Pratyush took Sulphur powder on a spatula and heated it. He collected the gas evolved
by inverting a test tube over it, as shown in figure below.

Teaching Notes 18
 CHEMISTRY-CBSE

a) What will be the action of gas on

i) dry litmus paper? ii) moist litmus paper?
b) Write a balanced chemical equation for the reaction taking place.
Ans. a) (i) There will be no action on dry litmus paper.
ii) Since the gas is Sulphur dioxide (SO2), it turns moist blue litmus paper to red because
Sulphur dioxide reacts with moisture to form Sulphurous acid.

b) S + O2 
 SO2

SO2 + H2O 
 H2SO3
10. State two ways to prevent the rusting of iron.
Ans. Two ways to prevent the rusting of iron are:
Oiling, greasing, or painting: By applying oil, grease, or paint, the surface becomes water
proof and the moisture and Oxygen present in the air cannot come into direct contact with
iron. Hence, rusting is prevented.
Galvanisation: An iron article is coated with a layer of Zinc metal, which prevents the
iron to come in contact with Oxygen and moisture. Hence, rusting is prevented.
11. What type of oxides is formed when non-metals combine with oxygen?
Ans. Non-metals combine with Oxygen to form acidic oxides.

For example: S + O2 
 SO2
12. Give reasons
a) Platinum, Gold and Silver are used to make jewellery.
b) Sodium, Potassium and Lithium are stored under oil.
c) Aluminium is a highly reactive metal, yet it is used to make utensils for cooking.
d) Carbonate and sulphide ores are usually converted into oxides during the process of
extraction.
Ans. a) Platinum, Gold, and Silver are used to make jewellery because they are very lustrous.
Also, they are very less reactive and do not corrode easily.
b) Sodium, Potassium, and Lithium are very reactive metals and react very vigorously
with air as well as water. Therefore, they are kept immersed in kerosene oil in order to
prevent their contact with air and moisture.
c) Though Aluminium is a highly reactive metal, it is resistant to corrosion. This is because
Aluminium reacts with Oxygen present in air to form a thin layer of Aluminium oxide.
This oxide layer is very stable and prevents further reaction of Aluminium with oxygen.
Also, it is light in weight and a good conductor of heat. Hence, it is used to make cooking
utensils.
d) Carbonate and sulphide ores are usually converted into oxides during the process of
extraction because metals can be easily extracted from their oxides rather than from
their carbonates and sulphides.

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 CHEMISTRY-CBSE

13. You must have seen tarnished copper vessels being cleaned with lemon or tamarind
juice. Explain why these sour substances are effective in cleaning the vessels.
Ans. Copper reacts with moist Carbon dioxide in air to form Copper carbonate and as a result,
Copper vessel loses its shiny brown surface forming a green layer of Copper carbonate.
The citric acid present in the lemon or tamarind neutralizes the basis Copper carbonate
and dissolves the layer. That is why, tarnished Copper vessels are cleaned with lemon or
tamarind juice to give the surface of the Copper vessel its characteristic lustre.
14. A man went door to door posing as a goldsmith. He promised to bring back the glitter
of old and dull gold ornaments. An unsuspecting lady gave a set of gold bangles to him
which he dipped in a particular solution. The bangles sparkled like new but their
weight was reduced drastically. The lady was upset but after a futile argument the
man beat a hasty retreat. Can you play the detective to find out the nature of the
solution he had used?
Ans. He must have dipped the gold medal in the solution of aqua regia - a 3:1 mixture of conc.
HCl and conc. HNO3. Aqua regia is a fuming, highly corrosive liquid. It dissolves Gold in it.
After dipping the Gold ornaments in aqua regia, the outer layer of Gold gets dissolved and
the inner shiny layer appears. That is why the weight of Gold ornament reduced.
15. Differentiate between metal and non-metal on the basis of their chemical properties.

Ans.

16. Give reasons why Copper is used to make hot water tanks and not steel (an alloy of
iron).
Ans. Copper does not react with cold water, hot water, or steam. However, iron reacts with
steam. If the hot water tanks are made of steel (an alloy of iron), then iron would react
vigorously with the steam formed from hot water.

3Fe + 4H2O 
 Fe3O4 + 4H2
That is why Copper is used to make hot water tanks, and not steel.

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 CHEMISTRY-CBSE

17. Give an example of a metal which

i) is a liquid at room temperature. ii) can be easily cut with a knife.
iii) is the best conductor of heat. iv) is a poor conductor of heat.
Ans. i) Metal that exists in liquid state at room temperature  Mercury
ii) Metal that can be easily cut with a knife  Sodium, Potassium
iii) Metal that is the best conductor of heat  Silver, Gold
iv) Metals that are poor conductors of heat  Mercury and Lead
18. Explain the meanings of malleable and ductile.
Ans. Malleable: Substances that can be converted into thin sheets by beating are called
malleable. Most of the metals are malleable. Gold and Silver are most malleable metals.
Ductile: Substances that can be drawn into thin wires are called ductile. Most of the
metals are ductile. Gold is the most ductile metal.
19. Why Sodium is kept immersed in kerosene oil?
Ans. Metals such as Potassium and Sodium react so vigorously that they catch fire if kept in
the open. Hence, to protect them and to prevent accidental fires, they are kept immersed
in kerosene oil.
20. Write equations for the reactions of
i) Iron with steam ii) Calcium and Potassium with water
Ans. i) Iron react with steam to form the metal oxide and hydrogen.

3Fe + 4H2O 
 Fe3O4 + 4H2
ii) The reaction of Calcium with water is exothermic but the heat evolved is not sufficient
for the hydrogen to catch fire.

Ca + 2H2O 
 Ca(OH)2 + H2
Calcium starts floating because the bubbles of Hydrogen gas formed stick to the surface of
the metal.
Potassium react violently with cold water and its reaction is so violent and exothermic
that the evolved hydrogen immediately catches fire.

2K + 2H2O 
 2KOH +H2 + Heat energy
21. 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.

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 CHEMISTRY-CBSE

Use the Table 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.
Ans. i) As per reactivity series, Iron is most reactive metal among Iron, Silver and Copper.
Since B can displace Iron from its sulphate, so B is the most reactive metal.
ii) As B is more reactive than Iron (As discussed in answer (i)), so it will displace Copper
from its Copper Sulphate solution.
iii) B is most reactive as discussed in part (i) and D is the least reactive metal as unable
to displace any of the solutions. Copper is more reactive than Silver and metal A can
displace Copper, so A is more reactive than C.
Hence, the order of decreasing reactivity is B > A > C > D.
22. Which gas is produced when dilute hydrochloric acid is added to a reactive metal?
Write the chemical reaction when iron reacts with dilute H2SO4.
Ans. When reactive metals react with dilute hydrochloric acids, gives a salt and hydrogen gas

Metal + Dilute acid 

 Salt + Hydrogen
Reaction between Iron and H2SO4:

Fe + H2SO4 
 FeSO4 + H2
23. What would you observe when Zinc is added to a solution of Iron (II) sulphate? Write
the chemical reaction that takes place.
Ans. Zinc is more reactive than Iron. When Zn is added to Iron (II) Sulphate, Zinc displaces
Iron from its solutions and Zinc sulphate is formed.

Zn + FeSO4 
 ZnSO4 + Cu
24. i) Write the electron-dot structures for Sodium, Oxygen and Magnesium.
ii) Show the formation of Na2O and MgO by the transfer of electrons.
iii) What are the ions present in these compounds?
Ans. i) Electron – dot structure for Sodium:

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 CHEMISTRY-CBSE

Electron – dot structure for Oxygen:

Electron – dot structure for Magnesium:

(ii) Formation of Na2O by transfer of electron:

Na2O

Formation of Na2O by transfer of electron:

(iii). Ions present in these compounds are Mg2+ O-2 and Na+.
25. Define the following terms.
i) Mineral ii) Ore iii) Gangue.
Ans. i) Mineral: The elements or compounds, which occur naturally in the earth’s crust, are
known as minerals.
ii) Ore: If minerals contain a very high percentage of a particular metal and the metal can
be profitably extracted from it. These minerals are called ores.
iii) Gangue: Ores mined from the earth are usually contaminated with large amounts of
impurities such as soil, sand, etc., called gangue.

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 CHEMISTRY-CBSE

26. Name two metals which are found in nature in the free state.
Ans. The metals which are the least reactive, they are often found in a free state.
For example: Gold, Silver, Platinum and Copper are found in the free state.
27. What chemical process is used for obtaining a metal from its oxide?
Ans. Metals low in the activity series are very unreactive. The oxides of these metals can be
reduced to metals by heating alone.

2HgO  
heat
 2Hg + O2
The metals in the middle of the activity series such as Iron, Zinc, Lead, Copper, etc., are
moderately reactive. These metal oxides are reduced to the corresponding metals by
using suitable reducing agents.

ZnO +C 
 Zn + CO
The metals high up in the reactivity series are very reactive. They are separated from
their oxides by electrolysis process.
28. Metallic oxides of Zinc, Magnesium and Copper were heated with the following metals.

Ans. Magnesium is the most reactive among these three metals and Zinc is more reactive
than Copper. So, Magnesium will displace Zinc oxide and Copper oxide whereas Zinc will
displace Copper oxide only.

29. Which metals do not corrode easily?

Ans. The metals which are the least reactive, do not corrode easily.
For example: Gold, Silver, Platinum and Copper.
30. What are alloys?
Ans. An alloy is a homogeneous mixture of two or more metals, or a metal and a nonmetal.
For example: i) Stainless steel is an alloy of Nickel and Chromium.
ii) Amalgam is an alloy of Mercury.
iii) Brass is an alloy of Copper and Zinc
iv) Bronze is an alloy of Copper and Tin.
v) Solder is an alloy of Lead and Tin.

Teaching Notes 24
 CHEMISTRY-CBSE

Points of Emphasis

 Metals and non-metals: On the basis of properties, all the elements can be divided into
two main groups: metals and non-metals.

 Sodium, Potassium, Calcium and Magnesium form positive ions. A majority of the known
elements are metals. All metals are solids, except Mercury which is a liquid metal.

 The most abundant metal in the earth's crust is Aluminium.

 Though non-metals are small in number as compared to metals, they play a very important
role in our daily life.

 The most abundant non-metal in the earth's crust is Oxygen.

 Metallurgy: Metallurgy is the branch of chemistry that deals with the extraction of metals
from their ores.

 Physical Processes involves crushing, grinding and concentration of the ore, gravity
separation, froth floatation and electromagnetic separation.

 Chemical Processes involve roasting, calcination, reduction of metallic oxide to free metal,
reduction of ore and refining of metals.

 Refining of metals: Metals obtained by the above processes contain impurities such as
presence of other metals, non-metals like Silicon or Phosphorus, unreduced oxides and
sulphides of the metal. Following processes involve refining of various metals:

(i) Liquidation: This method is used to refine metals having a low melting point, e.g., Lead
and Tin.

(ii) Distillation: Used to refine volatile metals like Mercury and Zinc which contain non
volatile impurities.

(iii) Oxidation: Used to refine metals containing volatile impurities, which are easily
oxidised, e.g., pig iron.

(iv) Electro-refining: This is an economical and effective method for purifying metals,
e.g., Copper, Aluminium, Lead.

Teaching Notes 25