Metals and Non-Metals – Complete Notes for SSLC Science / Class 10

Introduction:Metals and Non-Metals Complete Notes for SSLC

The chapter “Metals and Non-Metals” is one of the most important topics in Class 10 Science (Karnataka State Board & CBSE syllabus). Questions from this chapter frequently appear in both objective and descriptive sections of board exams — including 3-mark and 5-mark questions.

In this blog, we’ve simplified the entire chapter into easy-to-understand notes that help you remember the key concepts, reactions, equations, and differences between metals and non-metals. You will learn about

✅ Physical and chemical properties of metals and non-metals

✅ The reactivity series and displacement reactions

✅ Ionic compounds and how they form

✅ Extraction of metals and prevention of corrosion

Why this is important:This topic builds the foundation for higher studies in Chemistry, Engineering, and Environmental Science. Understanding metals and non-metals will help you score better in exams and also connect science with daily life — from electrical wiring and cooking utensils to corrosion and recycling.

Next Blog Post:Stay tuned for our upcoming post — “Top Important Questions & Answers from Metals and Non-Metals for SSLC Exam 2025” — where we’ll share expected board questions, previous-year paper trends, and short-answer practice questions.

Metals and Non Metals

All substances around us are made up of elements. These elements can broadly be classified as metals and non-metals based on their physical and chemical properties.Metals like iron, copper, and aluminium are shiny and strong, while non-metals like sulphur, oxygen, and carbon are dull and brittle.Let’s explore how these two groups differ and their importance in our daily lives.

Physical Properties of Metals and Non-Metals

Metals

Property	Description	Examples
Lustre	Have a shiny surface (metallic lustre).	Gold, Silver, Copper
Malleability	Can be beaten into thin sheets.	Gold, Aluminium
Ductility	Can be drawn into thin wires.	Copper, Silver
Hardness	Generally hard (except sodium and potassium).	Iron, Zinc
Conductor of Heat & Electricity	Excellent conductors.	Silver, Copper
Sonority	Produce ringing sound when struck.	Bell metals
State at Room Temperature	Solid (except mercury).	–

Non-Metals

Property	Description	Examples
Lustre	Generally dull (except iodine).	Sulphur, Carbon
Malleability	Brittle, cannot be beaten into sheets.	–
Ductility	Non-ductile, break easily.	–
Conduction	Poor conductors of heat and electricity (except graphite).	Carbon (graphite conducts)
State at Room Temperature	Mostly gases or solids (bromine is liquid).	Oxygen, Sulphur

Chemical Properties of Metals

(a) Reaction with Oxygen

Metals react with oxygen to form metal oxides.

Metal oxides are generally basic, but some like zinc oxide and aluminium oxide are amphoteric (react with both acids and bases).

Sodium & Potassium oxides dissolve in water to form alkalis (NaOH, KOH).

(b) Reaction with Water

Metals react with water to form metal hydroxides and hydrogen gas.

Metal	Reaction with Water	Observation
Potassium, Sodium	React violently	Hydrogen catches fire
Calcium	Less violent	Hydrogen released
Magnesium	With hot water	Slow reaction
Aluminium, Iron, Zinc	With steam only	Forms oxides and hydrogen
Lead, Copper, Silver	No reaction	–

(c) Reaction with Acids

Metals react with dilute acids to form salt + hydrogen gas.

Hydrogen test: Burning matchstick produces a ‘pop’ sound.

Exception: Copper, Silver, and Gold do not react with dilute acids.

(d) Reaction with Salt Solutions

Reactivity Series of Metals

Metals are arranged in order of their reactivity.

Highly Reactive	Moderately Reactive	Least Reactive
K, Na, Ca, Mg, Al	Zn, Fe, Pb	Cu, Hg, Ag, Au

Remember:

• A metal higher in the series can displace another lower one from its compound.

• Gold and silver are least reactive and found free in nature.

Ionic Compounds

When metals react with non-metals, they form ionic (electrovalent) compounds by transfer of electrons.

Properties of Ionic Compounds:

• Solid and brittle

• High melting and boiling points

• Soluble in water, insoluble in petrol or kerosene

• Conduct electricity in molten or aqueous state only

Occurrence and Extraction of Metals (Metallurgy)

Stages of Metallurgy

1. Mining – Collecting ores from the earth.

2. Enrichment – Removing impurities (gangue).

3. Reduction – Extracting the pure metal.

4. Refining – Purifying the extracted metal.

Types of Metals Based on Reactivity

Type	Example	Method of Extraction
Low Reactive	Copper, Mercury	Heating alone
Medium Reactive	Iron, Zinc, Lead	Roasting / Calcination + Reduction
High Reactive	Sodium, Aluminium	Electrolysis

Thermit Reaction (Joining Railway Tracks)

Fe₂O₃ + 2Al → 2Fe + Al₂O₃ + Heat

Electrolytic Refining (e.g., Copper)

Impure metal (anode) → dissolves → deposits pure metal on cathode.

Corrosion and Prevention

What is Corrosion?

Gradual destruction of metals due to moisture and oxygen.

Metal	Reaction	Product
Iron	With oxygen & water	Rust (Fe₂O₃·xH₂O)
Copper	With moist CO₂	Green layer (basic copper carbonate)
Silver	With sulphur	Black layer (silver sulphide)

Prevention Methods

• Painting, greasing, oiling

• Galvanisation (zinc coating)

• Chrome plating

• Alloying (mixing with other metals like Ni, Cr)

Alloys – Improved Metals

An alloy is a homogeneous mixture of two or more metals (or metal + non-metal).

Alloy	Composition	Use
Brass	Copper + Zinc	Utensils, fittings
Bronze	Copper + Tin	Statues, medals
Solder	Lead + Tin	Joining wires
Stainless Steel	Iron + Chromium + Nickel	Cookware, tools
22 Carat Gold	Gold + Copper/Silver	Jewellery

Summary

• Metals: Lustrous, malleable, ductile, conductors, form basic oxides.

• Non-Metals: Dull, brittle, non-conductors, form acidic or neutral oxides.

• Reactivity Series helps predict reactions.

• Metallurgy extracts and refines metals for use.

• Corrosion can be prevented by coating or alloying.

• Alloys improve metal properties.

Practice with Questions & Answers

Loved the complete notes on Metals and Non-Metals? Now test your understanding with important SSLC-style questions and answers — curated for Chapter 3: Metals and Non-Metals (2025 syllabus)

Click here → SSLC Science Chapter 3: Metals and Non-Metals | Important Questions & Answers 2025This will take you to our companion post containing expected board questions, simple answers, and quick revision tips.