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Chapter 12 · Class 10 Science

Metals and Non-metals — Important Questions

47 questions With answers CBSE format

SUMMARY: This chapter explores the physical and chemical properties of metals and non-metals, their reactivity, and their uses in daily life.
KEY TOPICS: physical properties of metals, chemical properties of metals, reactivity series, extraction of metals, corrosion, properties of non-metals, uses of metals and non-metals, alloys, displacement reactions, amphoteric oxides.

Q1 1 Mark

Which of the following is a physical property of metals?

ABrittleness
BLuster
CPoor conductivity
DDull appearance
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Correct answer: Option 2 — Luster
Q2 1 Mark

What is the main characteristic of non-metals?

AGood conductors of heat
BHigh melting points
CPoor conductors of electricity
DMalleable
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Correct answer: Option 3 — Poor conductors of electricity
Q3 1 Mark

Which metal is extracted using electrolysis?

AIron
BAluminum
CCopper
DZinc
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Correct answer: Option 2 — Aluminum
Q4 1 Mark

Which of the following metals is most reactive?

AGold
BSilver
CPotassium
DCopper
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Correct answer: Option 3 — Potassium
Q5 1 Mark

What type of reaction occurs when zinc displaces copper from copper sulfate solution?

ACombination reaction
BDecomposition reaction
CDisplacement reaction
DRedox reaction
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Correct answer: Option 3 — Displacement reaction
Q6 1 Mark

Which of the following is an example of an amphoteric oxide?

ANa2O
BAl2O3
CMgO
DSiO2
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Correct answer: Option 2 — Al2O3
Q7 1 Mark

Which of the following is NOT a property of metals?

ADuctility
BMalleability
CHigh ionization energy
DConductivity
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Correct answer: Option 3 — High ionization energy
Q8 1 Mark

What is the main cause of corrosion in metals?

AExposure to air and moisture
BHigh temperature
CChemical reactions with non-metals
DPresence of alloys
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Correct answer: Option 1 — Exposure to air and moisture
Q9 1 Mark

Which of the following is a common use of aluminum?

AElectrical wiring
BConstruction of buildings
CMaking coins
DManufacturing of glass
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Correct answer: Option 1 — Electrical wiring
Q10 1 Mark

Which of the following metals is least reactive?

ACalcium
BIron
CGold
DSodium
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Correct answer: Option 3 — Gold
Q11 1 Mark

What is the reactivity series used for?

ATo determine the color of metals
BTo predict the behavior of metals in reactions
CTo classify metals based on their weight
DTo identify metals in alloys
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Correct answer: Option 2 — To predict the behavior of metals in reactions
Q12 1 Mark

Which of the following is a property of non-metals?

ASonorous
BBrittle in solid state
CHigh density
DMalleable
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Correct answer: Option 2 — Brittle in solid state
Q13 1 Mark

What is the primary method of extracting iron from its ore?

AElectrolysis
BReduction with carbon
CDistillation
DFiltration
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Correct answer: Option 2 — Reduction with carbon
Q14 1 Mark

Which of the following is an alloy?

ACopper
BBrass
CIron
DAluminum
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Correct answer: Option 2 — Brass
Q15 1 Mark

Which of the following statements about metals is true?

AThey are all solid at room temperature
BThey have low melting points
CThey are good conductors of electricity
DThey are brittle
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Correct answer: Option 3 — They are good conductors of electricity
Q16 3 Marks

What are the physical properties of metals?

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Metals are typically shiny, malleable, ductile, and good conductors of heat and electricity. They have high melting and boiling points, and they are usually solid at room temperature, except for mercury.
Q17 3 Marks

Explain the term 'reactivity series' and its significance.

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The reactivity series is a list of metals arranged in order of decreasing reactivity. It helps predict how metals will react with other substances, such as acids and water, and is essential for understanding displacement reactions.
Q18 3 Marks

What is corrosion, and how can it be prevented?

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Corrosion is the gradual destruction of metals due to chemical reactions with their environment, often involving moisture and oxygen. It can be prevented by methods such as galvanization, painting, or using corrosion-resistant alloys.
Q19 3 Marks

Describe the chemical properties of metals with an example.

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Metals react with acids to produce hydrogen gas and a salt. For example, when zinc reacts with hydrochloric acid, it produces zinc chloride and hydrogen gas, demonstrating its reactivity with acids.
Q20 3 Marks

What are amphoteric oxides? Provide an example.

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Amphoteric oxides are oxides that can react with both acids and bases to form salts and water. An example is zinc oxide, which can react with hydrochloric acid and sodium hydroxide.
Q21 3 Marks

List two uses of metals in daily life and explain their importance.

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Aluminum is used in packaging materials due to its lightweight and resistance to corrosion, while copper is used in electrical wiring because of its excellent conductivity. Both metals play crucial roles in modern technology and infrastructure.
Q22 3 Marks

What is the process of extraction of metals from their ores?

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The extraction of metals involves several steps, including mining, concentration of the ore, reduction to obtain the metal, and refining. For example, iron is extracted from its ore, hematite, using a blast furnace.
Q23 3 Marks

Define displacement reactions with an example involving metals.

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Displacement reactions occur when a more reactive metal displaces a less reactive metal from its compound. For instance, when zinc is added to copper sulfate solution, zinc displaces copper, forming zinc sulfate and copper metal.
Q24 3 Marks

What are the physical properties of non-metals?

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Non-metals are generally dull, brittle, and poor conductors of heat and electricity. They can exist in solid, liquid, or gaseous states at room temperature, with low melting and boiling points compared to metals.
Q25 3 Marks

Explain the significance of alloys and give two examples.

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Alloys are mixtures of two or more metals or a metal and a non-metal, designed to enhance certain properties. For example, steel (iron and carbon) is stronger than iron alone, and bronze (copper and tin) is resistant to corrosion.
Q26 6 Marks

Describe the physical properties of metals and explain how these properties make them suitable for various applications in daily life.

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Metals are typically characterized by their luster, malleability, ductility, conductivity, and high density. Their shiny appearance (luster) makes them aesthetically pleasing for decorative items and jewelry. Malleability allows metals to be hammered into thin sheets, which is useful in construction and manufacturing. Ductility enables metals to be drawn into wires, essential for electrical applications. High conductivity makes metals ideal for electrical wiring and components. Additionally, their high density contributes to their strength and durability in structural applications.
Q27 6 Marks

Explain the chemical properties of metals, focusing on their reactions with oxygen and acids. Provide examples for each.

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Metals react with oxygen to form metal oxides, which can be basic or amphoteric. For example, magnesium reacts with oxygen to form magnesium oxide (MgO), a basic oxide. When metals react with acids, they typically displace hydrogen, forming a salt and releasing hydrogen gas. For instance, zinc reacts with hydrochloric acid to produce zinc chloride and hydrogen gas. These reactions highlight the reactivity of metals and their ability to form compounds with other elements.
Q28 6 Marks

What is the reactivity series of metals, and how does it help in predicting the outcomes of displacement reactions?

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The reactivity series is a list of metals arranged in order of decreasing reactivity. It helps predict which metals can displace others from their compounds in displacement reactions. For example, in a reaction between zinc and copper sulfate, zinc, being more reactive than copper, displaces copper from the sulfate, resulting in zinc sulfate and copper metal. This series is crucial for understanding metal reactivity and guiding practical applications in metallurgy and chemical reactions.
Q29 6 Marks

Discuss the extraction of metals from their ores, highlighting the processes involved and the significance of each step.

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The extraction of metals from their ores involves several steps: concentration, reduction, and refining. Concentration removes impurities from the ore, often using methods like froth flotation or magnetic separation. Reduction involves converting the concentrated ore into the metal, typically through processes like smelting or electrolysis. Finally, refining purifies the metal to remove remaining impurities. Each step is significant as it enhances the yield and quality of the extracted metal, which is essential for industrial applications.
Q30 6 Marks

Define corrosion and explain the factors that contribute to the corrosion of metals. Provide examples of common corrosion processes.

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Corrosion is the gradual destruction of metals due to chemical reactions with their environment, primarily oxygen and moisture. Factors contributing to corrosion include the presence of electrolytes, humidity, temperature, and the type of metal. For example, iron corrodes in the presence of water and oxygen, forming rust (iron oxide). Similarly, copper can develop a green patina (copper carbonate) when exposed to moisture and air over time. Understanding corrosion is vital for preventing damage to structures and machinery.
Q31 6 Marks

What are non-metals, and how do their physical properties differ from those of metals? Provide examples to illustrate your points.

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Non-metals are elements that typically lack the physical properties of metals. They are usually dull, brittle in solid form, poor conductors of heat and electricity, and have lower densities. For instance, sulfur is a non-metal that appears as a yellow, brittle solid, while chlorine is a greenish gas. Unlike metals, non-metals do not exhibit malleability or ductility. These differences in physical properties influence their uses in various applications, such as in fertilizers, plastics, and pharmaceuticals.
Q32 1 Mark

Assertion (A): Metals are generally good conductors of electricity.

Reason (R): This is due to the presence of free electrons in metals that can move easily.

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Correct answer: Option 1 — Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
Q33 1 Mark

Assertion (A): Non-metals are usually brittle in nature.

Reason (R): This property is due to their inability to deform without breaking.

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Correct answer: Option 1 — Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
Q34 1 Mark

Assertion (A): Iron is more reactive than copper according to the reactivity series.

Reason (R): This is because iron can displace copper from its compounds.

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Correct answer: Option 1 — Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
Q35 1 Mark

Assertion (A): Alloys are mixtures of metals and non-metals.

Reason (R): Alloys can enhance the properties of the base metal, making them stronger or more resistant to corrosion.

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Correct answer: Option 3 — A is true, but R is false.
Q36 1 Mark

Assertion (A): Corrosion is a chemical process that affects only metals.

Reason (R): Corrosion can also affect non-metals like certain types of plastics under specific conditions.

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Correct answer: Option 4 — A is false, but R is true.
Q37 1 Mark

Assertion (A): Amphoteric oxides can react with both acids and bases.

Reason (R): This property allows them to neutralize both types of substances.

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Correct answer: Option 1 — Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
Q38 1 Mark

Assertion (A): The extraction of metals from their ores is a physical process.

Reason (R): This process involves chemical reactions to separate metals from their ores.

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Correct answer: Option 4 — A is false, but R is true.
Q39 1 Mark

Assertion (A): Sodium is less reactive than potassium in the reactivity series.

Reason (R): Potassium is higher in the reactivity series than sodium, indicating it is more reactive.

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Correct answer: Option 3 — A is true, but R is false.
Q40 1 Mark

Statement 1: Metals are generally good conductors of electricity.

Statement 2: Non-metals are usually malleable and ductile.

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Correct answer: Option 2 — Only Statement 1 is true.
Q41 1 Mark

Statement 1: Iron is more reactive than copper in the reactivity series.

Statement 2: Gold is extracted from its ore using electrolysis.

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Correct answer: Option 3 — Only Statement 2 is true.
Q42 1 Mark

Statement 1: Corrosion of metals can be prevented by galvanization.

Statement 2: All non-metals are gases at room temperature.

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Correct answer: Option 4 — Both statements are false.
Q43 1 Mark

Statement 1: Amphoteric oxides can react with both acids and bases.

Statement 2: Sodium is less reactive than magnesium.

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Correct answer: Option 3 — Only Statement 2 is true.
Q44 1 Mark

Statement 1: Alloys are mixtures of metals with non-metals.

Statement 2: Bronze is an alloy of copper and tin.

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Correct answer: Option 1 — Both statements are true.
Q45 1 Mark

Statement 1: Displacement reactions occur when a more reactive metal displaces a less reactive metal from its compound.

Statement 2: Calcium is less reactive than aluminum.

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Correct answer: Option 4 — Both statements are false.
Q46 1 Mark

Statement 1: The extraction of metals from their ores is known as metallurgy.

Statement 2: Non-metals typically have high melting points compared to metals.

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Correct answer: Option 2 — Only Statement 1 is true.
Q47 1 Mark

Statement 1: Zinc can displace copper from copper sulfate solution.

Statement 2: All metals react with water to produce hydrogen gas.

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Correct answer: Option 2 — Only Statement 1 is true.

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