4

Metals and Non-metals

NCF Competencies Covered:
Expected Learning Outcomes C-1.1, C-1.2 and C-8.1

Knowledge to be gained: •Metals and non-metals •Physical properties of metals and non-metals
•Chemical properties of metals and non-metals
Skills to be developed: •Categorisation of an element as metal or non-metal •Selection of
metal/non-metal based on their properties
Attitude to be inculcated: •Metals and non-metals should be handled with care. ey have different
properties and can react differently.
We know that different elements are used to make (Zn). Here, the symbol ‘H’ actually represents a
different kinds of objects. ere are only 92 single atom of hydrogen, and the symbol ‘O’
naturally occurring elements found on the Earth. represents a single atom of oxygen.
ese elements are used to make different objects. Based on their properties, all elements can be
Elements are unique substances with unique broadly classi ed into metals and non-metals.
properties that cannot be broken down into METALS AND NON-METALS
two or more simpler substances. Hydrogen, All metals have some common properties which
O x y g e n , N i t r o g e n , H e l i u m , S u l p h u r, are generally opposite to that of non-metals. For
Phosphorous, Chlorine, Iodine, Iron, Silver, example, almost all metals are shiny and they do
Zinc, Gold, Aluminium, Magnesium, Mercury, not break easily. On the other hand, non-metals
and Copper are all examples of elements. are not shiny and can easily be broken into
In chemistry, each element is represented by a pieces.
symbol. For example, ‘H’ is the symbol for Some examples of metals are—iron, aluminium,
hydrogen and ‘O’ is the symbol for oxygen. magnesium, zinc, tin, cobalt, nickel, mercury,
Elements are made up of atoms. An atom of calcium, copper, silver, gold, and platinum. Out
hydrogen (H) is different from that of oxygen (O), of the 92 naturally occurring elements, around
which in turn is different from an atom of zinc 70 elements can be categorised as metals.

Metals and Non-metals 59

 Mercury

Chromium Carbon
Gold Sulphur

Iron
Copper Phosphorus Bromine
Fig.1 Some metals Fig.2 Some non-metals
Table: Name and Symbols of Some Metals and Non-Metals
Sl. No. Name of the metal Symbol Sl. No. Name of the non-metal Symbol
1. Sodium Na 1. Hydrogen H
2. Potassium K 2. Oxygen O
3. Calcium Ca 3. Nitrogen N
4. Barium Ba 4. Carbon C
5. Aluminium Al 5. Sulphur S
6. Iron Fe 6. Phosphorus P
7. Copper Cu 7. Chlorine Cl
8. Gold Au 8. Bromine Br
9. Silver Ag 9. Iodine I
10. Mercury Hg 10. Helium He

All metals are naturally present in the solid non-metals on the basis of their physical
state at room temperature, except mercury, properties.
which is liquid. 1. Lustre
Some of the examples of non-metals are Metals are lustrous materials, while non-
hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, carbon, helium, metals are non-lustrous. is means that metals
neon, xenon, sulphur, chlorine, bromine and have a shiny appearance and non-metals do not
iodine. Some non-metals are in solid form at have a shiny appearance.
room temperature, while the rest are in
If we observe some metal articles, like gold
gaseous form. Bromine is the only liquid non-
jewellery, aluminium foils, copper wire, silver
metal.
ornaments, etc., we can notice their shiny
Metalloids surface. is shiny appearance of metals is called
ere are some elements which exhibit some metallic lustre. Metals like gold and silver are
properties of metals, while at the same time, used in making jewellery because they are bright
show some properties of non-metals. Such and shiny.
elements that show properties of both metals
and non-metals are called metalloids. Silicon,
arsenic, germanium and tellurium are all
examples of metalloids.
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF METALS
AND NON-METALS
Let us now study how metals are different from Fig.3 Metals are lustrous (shiny)
60 Exploring Science-8
Non-metals are non-lustrous. ey do not have a 3. Ductility
shiny surface; instead, they have a dull Metals are ductile. is means that metals can
appearance. Sulphur and phosphorous are solid be stretched into thin wires. e property of a
non-metals which do not have lustre. ey have a
substance that allows it to be drawn into thin
dull appearance. Iodine and some solid forms of
wires is called ductility. Copper and aluminium
carbon, like diamond and graphite, are
are used in making electric wires. Tungsten is
exceptions to this property. ey have a shiny
used in making the lament of electric bulbs.
appearance like metals.
Gold and silver are the most ductile metals.
2. Malleability Non-metals are neither malleable nor ductile.
Metals are malleable. is means that metals ey are brittle.
can be beaten into thin sheets. e property of a Gold and silver are the most malleable and
substance which allows it to be beaten into a ductile metals.
thin sheet (without breaking into pieces) is
called malleability. in aluminium sheets, like
aluminium foils, are made by hammering pieces
of aluminium metal into thin sheets. Gold and
silver are the best malleable metals.

Copper wire

Fig.6 Metals can be drawn into wires.

Fig.4 Metals can be hammered into sheets ey are ductile.
Non-metals are not malleable. ey are brittle.
is means that if we beat non-metals with a Knowledge Booster
hammer, they break into small pieces. e One gram of gold can be drawn into a 2 km long thin
property of a substance which allows it to wire.
break into pieces on being beaten with a 4. Conductivity
hammer is called brittleness. e lead used in a
In general, metals are good conductors of heat
pencil is made of a solid form of carbon called
and electricity. is means that metals allow
graphite. You would have observed that the lead
heat and electricity to pass through them easily.
of a pencil breaks very easily.
e property of a substance that allows the
transfer of heat and electricity from one part of
Fig.5 Pencil lead is
made of graphite the substance to another is called conductivity.
(carbon). It is brittle. Metals get heated up very fast when kept over a
ame. at is why, cooking vessels are made of
metals like iron and aluminium.
Metals and Non-metals 61
 Fig.7 Metals conduct heat well, they Fig.8 Metals are sonorous;
are used in making cooking utensils they are used to make bells
Metals allow electric current to pass through Non-metals are not sonorous. is means that
them very easily. at is why, electric wires are they do not make a ringing sound when we strike
made of metals like copper and aluminium. them.
Silver metal is the best conductor of
6. Strength
electricity, followed by copper. Copper is also
Metals are stronger than non-metals. is
comparatively much cheaper than silver.
means that metals have a higher tensile
erefore, copper is widely used in making
strength. Higher tensile strength means that
electric wires.
they can hold and support a lot of weight
Non-metals are poor conductors of heat and
without breaking. is is why metals are used in
electricity. ey are insulators. is means that
the construction of bridges, railway lines,
non-metals do not allow heat and electricity to
buildings, metal chains, etc.
ow through them. e property of a substance
which blocks the transfer of heat and
electricity from one part of the substance to
another is called insulation.
Diamond (a form of carbon element) is an
exception to heat conductivity. Diamond is a
non-metal which is a good conductor of heat.
Graphite (another form of carbon element) is an
exception to electric conductivity. Graphite is a
non-metal which is a good conductor of Fig.9 Strong metal is used to build bridges
electricity.
Non-metals have a lower tensile strength in
5. Sonorous comparison to metals. is means that they
Metals are sonorous. is means that metals, on cannot support large weights and can break
being struck, produce a ringing sound. e ability down easily.
of a substance to produce a ringing sound is 7. Hardness
called being sonorous. e bells in temples and In general, metals are harder than non-metals.
outside churches are made of metal. e electric is means that metals cannot be cut easily. in
bells and doorbells also have a metal bob which sheets of metals like aluminium can be cut with
hits on a rotating metal plate to produce the the help of scissors. Metals like iron and
ringing sound. chromium are more difficult to cut even when
62 Exploring Science-8
they are made thin aer being beaten into sheets.
Sodium, potassium and magnesium are
exceptions among metals. ey are so metals,
and can be cut into pieces with a knife.
Non-metals, on the other hand, can be cut with
the help of a knife. Non-metals like sulphur and
phosphorous can be cut into pieces with the help
of a knife. Diamond is an exception among
non-metals. It is the hardest substance
naturally found, till date. Fig.10 Sodium metal is so so that
it can be cut with a knife
Table: Comparing Physical Properties of Metals and Non-Metals NCF C-1.1

Properties Metals Non-metals

At room temperature, metals exist as solid, Non-metals exist as solid, liquid or gas at room
Physical state
except mercury, which is a liquid. temperature.

Non-metals do not have metallic lustre, except

Lustre Metals possess metallic luster.
iodine, diamond and graphite.
Metals are generally hard and strong, except Non-metals are so, except diamond. Diamond
Hardness
sodium, potassium and magnesium. is the hardest material known till now.
Metals have high density, except sodium and
Density Non-metals usually have low density.
potassium.
Malleability and
Metals are malleable and ductile. Non-metals are brittle.
Ductility
Metals are sonorous. ey make a ringing Non-metals are not sonorous. ey do not make
Sonorous
sound when struck. a ringing sound when struck.
Non-metals are poor conductors of heat and
Metals are good conductors of heat and electricity, except diamond and graphite.
Conductivity
electricity. Graphite is a good conductor of electricity.
Diamond is a good conductor of heat.

Activity-1
Aim: To compare the shiny appearance of metals and Sl. No. Material Shiny Dull
non-metals.
1. Copper wire ü
Materials required: A piece of sandpaper, a copper
2. Coal piece
wire, a piece of coal, a magnesium ribbon, an
aluminium foil, a silver foil, a pencil lead and sulphur 3. Magnesium ribbon

powder. 4. Aluminium foil

Procedure: Clean the piece of copper wire with a 5. Silver foil
sandpaper and observe it. Does it appear shiny? Now, 6. Pencil lead
observe other materials one by one. Which of them
7. Sulphur powder
have a shiny appearance, and which are dull?
Metals and Non-metals 63
 Observation and Conclusion: You will observe that copper, magnesium, aluminium, zinc and
silver are shiny. ese are metal elements. A piece of coal, pencil lead (graphite) and sulphur
appears dull. ese are non-metals.

Activity-2
To show the (malleable/brittle) nature of Change in shape
Sl.
materials and identify them as metal/non-metal: Material ( attens/breaks, i.e.,
No.
malleable/brittle)
Take some objects, such as iron nails, small pieces
1. Iron nail
of thick aluminium and copper wire, and small
2. Aluminium wire
pieces of coal, sulphur and zinc. Beat each of
them, one by one, with a hammer (take care that 3. Copper wire
you don’t hurt yourself in the process). Try to hit 4. Coal
repeatedly and observe what happens. Record 5. Sulphur
your observations in the given table. 6. Zinc

Checkpoint-1
Write True or False
1. Most metals are solid at room temperature. ______________
2. Bromine is a liquid metal. ______________
3. Non-metals can be solid, liquid or gaseous at room temperature. ______________
4. Diamond is the hardest known metal. ______________
5. Metals are easier to cut with a knife than non-metals. ______________

CHEMICAL PROPERTIES OF METALS Let us perform an activity using magnesium

AND NON-METALS metal to see how it reacts with oxygen.
Let us now study how metals are different from
non-metals on the basis of their chemical Activity-3 NCF C-1.2

properties. Changing magnesium into magnesium oxide

1. Reaction with Oxygen and magnesium oxide into magnesium
hydroxide.
Metals and non-metals react differently with
(is activity needs caution. So, it should be
oxygen.
demonstrated by the teacher.)
Metals react with oxygen to form metallic
Take a small piece of magnesium ribbon. Clean
oxides. e metallic oxides formed by the
the surface of the ribbon with the help of a piece
reaction of metals with oxygen are basic in
of sandpaper. Hold one end of the magnesium
nature. ey would turn red litmus paper blue.
ribbon with a pair of tongs and bring the other
Metal + Oxygen Metallic oxide end over the ame of a Bunsen burner. You will
(from air) (A basic oxide) notice that the magnesium ribbon burns with a
dazzling white light.
64 Exploring Science-8
 substance. is change can be written in the
form of the following equation:
MgO + H₂O Mg(OH)₂
(Magnesium (Water) (Magnesium
oxide) hydroxide)

Magnesium hydroxide turns red litmus paper

blue.
Fig.11 Burning magnesium ribbon
On complete burning, the magnesium ribbon Observe the chemical reactions taking place in
gets converted into powdered white ash, which the above activity. In the rst part of the
is different from the magnesium ribbon. us, experiment, the magnesium ribbon burns and
a new substance is formed. is new substance combines with the oxygen present in the air to
is magnesium oxide. is change can be form magnesium oxide powder. Magnesium
represented by the following equation: oxide is a basic oxide.
burning
2Mg + O₂ 2MgO 2Mg + O₂ 2MgO
(Magnesium) (Oxygen) (Magnesium (Magnesium) (Oxygen) (Magnesium oxide)
oxide)
(A metal) (A basic oxide)

Magnesium e white magnesium oxide powder is then

ribbon
Pair of tongs mixed with water. In water, magnesium oxide
partially dissolves with water to form a
White light magnesium hydroxide solution, which is a base.
MgO + H₂O Mg(OH)₂
(Magnesium oxide) (Water) (Magnesium hydroxide)
Bunsen burner (A basic oxide) (A base)

(a) (b) Similarly, when sodium metal reacts with

White magnesium Red litmus paper oxygen, it forms sodium oxide.
powder turns blue
4Na + O₂ 2Na₂O
(Sodium) (Oxygen) (Sodium oxide)

We usually burn the metal in the presence of air

(c) (d) when we want it to react with oxygen. e
Fig.12 Litmus testing oxide of magnesium oxygen present in the air reacts with the burning
Collect the ash (magnesium oxide) and mix it metals to form metal oxides.
with a small amount of water. Stir the mixture When strongly heated in the presence of oxygen,
(aqueous solution) well. Test the mixture with zinc burns with a greenish-blue ame, forming
blue and red litmus papers. Does the mixture clouds of light zinc oxide (Philosopher’s wool).
turn red litmus blue? Does the mixture turn 2Zn + O₂ 2ZnO
blue litmus red? On the basis of this test, how (Zinc) (Oxygen) (Zinc oxide)
do you classify the aqueous solution—acidic or e reaction of metals with oxygen also takes
basic? place in nature. We have already studied in Class
On dissolving the ash in water, it forms a new VII about the rusting of iron. Rusting of iron

Metals and Non-metals 65

 takes place when iron metals combine slowly dioxide and oxygen present in the air to form
with the oxygen in the air in the presence of copper hydroxide and copper carbonate. is is
moisture. Rusting of iron is a slow process since called the corrosion of copper.
heat is not used to accelerate the reaction. 2Cu + H₂O + CO₂ + O₂ Cu(OH)₂ + CuCO₃
(Copper) (Water) (Carbon (Oxygen) (Copper (Copper
Fe + O₂ + H₂O Fe₂O₃ dioxide) hydroxide) carbonate)
(Iron) (Oxygen) (Water) (Iron oxide) (From moist air) (Green coating)
(Metal) (Present in moist air) (Rust–A metal oxide)
(Brown coating on iron object)
Non-metals react with oxygen to form non-
Another metal which naturally reacts with the metallic oxides. e non-metal oxides formed by
oxygen present in the air is copper. Copper the reaction of non-metals with oxygen are
utensils and objects le out in the open develop a acidic in nature. ey would turn blue litmus
green coating on them. is is because the paper red.
copper metal, when exposed to moist air for a Non-metal + Oxygen Non-metallic oxide
long duration, reacts with the water, carbon (From air) (An acidic oxide)

Activity-4
Changing sulphur into sulphur dioxide and sulphur dioxide into sulphurous acid.
(is activity needs caution. So, it should be demonstrated by the teacher.)
Procedure: Take a small amount of sulphur powder in a de agrating spoon (combustion spoon)
and heat it over a ame. As soon as the sulphur starts burning, introduce the spoon into a glass jar.
Cover the jar with a lid and allow the sulphur to burn inside the jar. You will notice that the sulphur
burns with a blue ame and produces a strong gas. e lid covering the jar prevents the gas from
escaping. e strong pungent smelling gas produced by the burning of sulphur is sulphur dioxide.
Aer the sulphur has completely burnt, remove the de agrating spoon and quickly add some water
to the jar. Cover the mouth of the jar shut with a lid. Shake the jar well, to dissolve the sulphur
dioxide gas with water. Check the solution now formed with red and blue litmus papers.
Observation: e blue litmus paper turns red.
Conclusion: e sulphur dioxide reacts with the water present in the jar to form sulphurous acid.
Acids turn blue litmus paper to red.

Lid

Sulphur
De agrating spoon Burning Sulphur
(Combustion spoon) sulphur dioxide
gas

Burner
Gas jar

(a) (b) (c)

Fig.13 When sulphur is burnt in air, it forms sulphur dioxide (which is acidic)

66 Exploring Science-8
Observe the chemical reactions taking place in SO₂ + H₂O H₂SO₃
(Sulphur dioxide) (Water) (Sulphurous acid)
Activity 4. In the rst part of the experiment, the (An acidic oxide) (An acid)
sulphur powder burns and combines with the
We have now learnt that metals react with
oxygen present in the air to form sulphur dioxide
oxygen to form metal oxides and non-metals
powder. e sulphur dioxide is an acidic oxide.
react with oxygen to form non-metallic oxides.
S + O₂ SO₂ We have also learnt that metal oxides are basic in
(Sulphur) (Oxygen) (Sulphur dioxide) nature and form bases on dissolving in water.
(A non-metal) (An acidic oxide) Also, non-metal oxides are acidic in nature and
form acids on dissolving in water.
e pungent-smelling sulphur dioxide gas is
Recall the name of some of the acids and bases we
then mixed with water. In water, sulphur
have studied in Class VII. Note down their
dioxide partially dissolves with water to form a
names in the table given below. Identify the
sulphurous acid solution.
metals and non-metals present in them.

Sl. No. Name of the Base Metal Name of the Acid Non-metal

1. Calcium hydroxide Calcium Sulphuric acid Sulphur

2.

3.

4.

5.

2. Reaction with Water not react with water at all.

Metals and non-metals react differently to water. Sodium is one of the most reactive metals. It
Metals react with water to form metal reacts with oxygen, water and even other gases
hydroxide. When metals react with water, a present in the air. Sodium is, therefore, always
metal hydroxide is formed and hydrogen gas is stored under kerosene to prevent it from
evolved. e metal hydroxide thus formed is reacting with the moisture or the gases present
basic in nature. It turns red litmus paper blue. in the air.
Let us perform an activity using sodium metal to
Metal + Water Metal hydroxide + Hydrogen
see how it reacts with water.
Some metals react vigorously with cold water,
while some metals react slowly with hot water. Activity-5
Sodium is a very reactive metal; it reacts
Changing sodium into sodium hydroxide.
vigorously even with cold water. Magnesium, on
the other hand, reacts slowly with cold water. It (is activity needs caution. It should be
reacts more quickly with boiling water or steam. demonstrated by the teacher.)
Iron and zinc react slowly even with hot boiling Procedure: Take a 250 ml beaker. Fill half of it
water and steam. Metals like gold and silver do with water. Now, carefully cut a piece of

Metals and Non-metals 67

 sodium metal. Dry it using lter paper and Non-me ta ls d o not re ac t w ith water.
wrap it in a small piece of cotton. Put the Phosphorous is a very reactive non-metal. If kept
sodium piece wrapped in cotton into the in open, phosphorous reacts with the oxygen
beaker which is half lled with water. Observe present in the air and catches re. Phosphorous
carefully. Test the solution aer the whole doesn’t react with water. Phosphorous is stored
reaction has taken place. underwater in laboratories to prevent reaction
Observation: We will nd that the piece of with oxygen in the air.
sodium metal starts moving in the water while 3. Reaction with Acids
the water starts to boil. Soon aer that, the Metals and non-metals react differently to acids.
piece of sodium metal catches re. If we touch Most metals react with dilute acids to form
the beaker aer the reaction has completed, we corresponding salts and liberate hydrogen gas.
will nd that the beaker has become hot. is However, the rate of reaction is different for
shows that heat is produced during this different metals. Highly reactive metals react
reaction. We can then test the solution with red vigorously with dilute acids. On the other hand,
and blue litmus papers. some metals react with dilute acids only on
Conclusion: e sodium metal reacts with heating and some metals do not react with dilute
oxygen to form sodium hydroxide. e heat acids at all.
evolved in the reaction burns the hydrogen gas Metal + Dilute acid Salt + Hydrogen
produced, as well as the sodium metal. e Metals like magnesium, aluminium, sodium and
burning of the hydrogen causes little zinc react with dilute hydrochloric acids to form
explosions. e formation of sodium metal chlorides.
hydroxide turns the solution basic. Red litmus Mg + 2HCl MgCl₂ + H₂
(Magnesium) (Hydrochloric (Magnesium (Hydrogen)
turns blue in basic solutions. acid) chloride)
(A metal) (An acid) (A salt)

2Al + 6HCl 2AlCl₃ + 3H₂

(Aluminium) (Hydrochloric (Aluminium (Hydrogen)
acid) chloride)

Least reactive metals like copper, silver and gold

do not react with dilute hydrochloric acid at all.
Metals like magnesium, aluminium, sodium and
zinc also react with sulphuric acid to form metal
sulphates.
Fig.14 Reaction of sodium metal with water Mg + H₂SO₄ MgSO₄ + H₂
(Magnesium) (Sulphuric (Magnesium (Hydrogen)
acid) sulphate)
Observe the chemical reactions taking place (A metal) (An acid) (A salt)

in the above activity. e reaction can be written 2Na + H₂SO₄ Na₂SO₄ + H₂

(Sodium) (Sulphuric (Sodium (Hydrogen)
as: acid ) sulphate)
2Na + 2H₂O 2NaOH + H₂ Now, we can understand why certain food items
(Sodium) (Water) (Sodium (Hydrogen)
hydroxide) which are acidic in nature (like pickles, curd,
(A metal) (A base) orange juice, etc.) are not kept in metal

68 Exploring Science-8
 containers. If these food items are kept in series and the least reactive metals can be put at
aluminium or copper containers, they can the bottom. A chemical reactivity series of
slowly react with the metal to form poisonous metals can thus be formed.
salts. e arrangement of metals in the decreasing
Non-metals do not react with dilute acids. order of reactivity is called the reactivity series
Non-metals do not react with dilute acids even of metals.
on heating. Some highly reactive non-metals can Reactivity Series of Metals
react with concentrated sulphuric and nitric Potassium (K) Most reactive metal
acids. However, in these reactions, hydrogen gas Sodium (Na)
is not produced. Calcium (Ca) Decreasing
4. Reaction with Bases Magnesium (Mg) chemical
reactivity
Metals and non-metals react differently with Aluminium (Al)
bases too. Some metals react with bases to form Zinc (Zn)
corresponding salts and liberate hydrogen gas. Iron (Fe)
Metal + Base Salt + Hydrogen Lead (Pb)
Metals like aluminium and zinc react with Copper (Cu)
sodium hydroxide solution to form sodium Silver (Ag)
aluminate and sodium zincate respectively, and Gold (Au) Least reactive metal
release hydrogen gas.
2Al + 2NaOH + 2H₂O 2NaAlO₂ + 3H₂ As we can see from the table, Potassium is the
(Aluminium) (Sodium (Water) (Sodium (Hydrogen) most reactive metal. It is therefore, on the top of
hydroxide) aluminate)
the table. Gold being the least reactive metal in
Zn + 2NaOH Na₂ZnO₂ + H₂ the table is placed at the bottom of the table.
(Zinc) (Sodium (Sodium (Hydrogen)
hydroxide) zincate) From the table, we can also understand that
Some non-metals react with bases, but no sodium is less reactive than potassium, calcium
hydrogen gas is produced. is less reactive than sodium, and so on.

5. Displacement Reaction of Metals and Now we can understand displacement reactions.

Non-metals A reaction in which one element of a salt
Before understanding displacement reactions, solution is replaced by another element is
let us rst understand the reactivity series of known as a displacement reaction.
metals.
We have already studied the reaction of metals
By now we know that some metals are very quick
with oxygen, water, acids and bases. Metals can
to react while other metals may take time or
also react with the salt solutions of other metals.
energy to react. erefore, some metals are
A more reactive metal can easily displace a less
more reactive than others. Based on their
reactive metal from its salt solution. In such
vigorousness of reactivity, metals can be
reactions, a new salt is always formed.
arranged in a reactivity series. Metals that are the
most reactive with oxygen, water, acids or other Let us understand this with an activity, using an
chemical compounds can be put on the top of the iron nail and a copper sulphate solution.

Metals and Non-metals 69

 Activity-6
e blue colour of the aqueous solution of copper sulphate changes to green by the formation of
iron sulphate.
(is activity needs caution. It should be demonstrated by the teacher.)
Procedure: Dissolve 50 g of copper sulphate (blue vitriol or neela thotha) in about 100 ml of water
in a beaker. Add a few drops of dilute sulphuric acid to the solution. You should get a blue-
coloured solution. Take half of the solution in another beaker. Drop a nail or a used shaving blade
into the remaining solution. Wait for half an hour. Observe the colour of the solution. Compare it
with the colour of the original solution which we have kept separately.
Take out the nail or the blade. Has it changed in any way?
Observation: You would notice that the original
Iron nail
solution was blue in colour; but the solution which
had the iron blade/iron nail has turned greenish.
You would also notice that the blade/iron nail has Blue
brown deposits of copper on it. copper Green iron
sulphate sulphate solution
Conclusion: Here also new substance is formed. solution
When an iron nail/blade is dipped into copper Copper metal
on iron
sulphate solution, a reaction takes place which
converts copper sulphate into iron sulphate. is Fig.15 Copper is displaced by iron
iron sulphate makes the solution green. and deposited on the nail
Additionally, you could nd copper metal deposits on the blade/ nail which is brown in colour.
e changes you notice in the above activity are e above reaction only takes place because iron
due to a displacement reaction taking place is a more reactive metal in comparison to copper.
between the iron in the iron nail and the copper Iron is able to displace the copper present in the
sulphate solution. copper sulphate solution.
e blue colour copper sulphate solution is a If a copper strip was placed in an iron sulphate
sulphate salt solution of copper metal. e iron solution, no reaction would have taken place.
nail is completely made of iron. Copper, being a less reactive metal than iron,
When iron, which is placed higher than copper would not have been able to displace iron from
in the reactivity series of metal, comes in the iron sulphate solution.
contact with the copper sulphate solution, a FeSO₄ + Cu No displacement reaction
displacement reaction takes place. e copper in (Iron sulphate) (Copper) takes place

the copper sulphate solution is slowly replaced We will now look at another example of
by the iron present in the iron nail. is changes displacement reaction in metals. Just like the
the colour of the salt solution from blue to green. above experiment, if we place a strip of zinc
Copper that is displaced from the salt solution metal in a copper sulphate solution for some
can be found as brown deposits on the iron nail. time, we would notice the blue colour of the
CuSO₄ + Fe FeSO₄ + Cu copper sulphate solution slowly fading and
(Copper sulphate) (Iron) (Iron sulphate) (Copper)
(Blue solution) (Grey) (Green solution) (Brown)
becoming more colourless. When we take out

70 Exploring Science-8
the zinc metal strip from the salt solution aer Zinc was able to displace the copper present in
some time, we nd brown copper metal deposits the copper sulphate solution.
on the zinc strip. If a copper strip was placed instead of a zinc strip
in a zinc sulphate solution, no reaction would
have taken place. Copper, being a less reactive
metal than zinc, would not have been able to
displace zinc from the zinc sulphate solution.
ZnSO₄ + Cu No displacement reaction
(Zinc sulphate) (Copper) takes place
Based on the reactivity series of metals and the
displacement reactions we have studied above,
can you complete the following reactions?
FeSO₄ + Zn
(Iron sulphate) (Zinc)
(Green solution) (Silver)
Fig.16 Copper deposit on zinc strip
e change of colour of the copper sulphate salt ZnSO₄ + Fe
(Zinc sulphate) (Iron)
solution and the deposition of copper on the zinc (Colourless solution) (Grey)
strip is proof that a displacement reaction has
Non-metals can also react with the salt solutions
taken place. e above reaction can be written as:
of other non-metals. A more reactive non-
Copper
CuSO₄Sulphate+ + Zinc
Zn ZincZnSO₄
Sulphate ++ Copper
Cu
(Copper sulphate)
(CuSO₄) (Zinc)
(Zn) (Zinc sulphate)
(ZnSO₄) (Copper)
(Cu) metal can also displace a less reactive non-
(Blue solution) (Silver) (Colourless solution) (Brown) metal from its salt solution. We will study about
e above reaction only takes place because zinc displacement reactions in non-metals in higher
is a more reactive metal in comparison to copper. classes.
Table: Comparing Chemical Properties of Metals and Non-Metals
Properties Metals Non-metals
Reaction with oxygen Generally form basic oxides. Generally forms acidic oxides.

Some metals react with water to produce

Reaction with water metal hydroxide and hydrogen gas. Generally do not react with water.

Reaction with dilute acids Generally form salts and hydrogen gas. Generally do not react with dilute acids.
Some metals react with bases to form salt Some non-metals react with bases to
Reaction with bases and hydrogen gas. form salt, but no hydrogen gas.

USES OF METALS AND NON-METALS heated wrought iron.

Uses of Metals u Steel is a corrosion-free alloy of iron. It is

Some of the important metals and their uses are extensively used for construction work. It is
given below. used in making bridges, pipes, gates, railings,
sheets, etc.
Uses of iron
Uses of copper
u Articles such as nails, chains, wire nets and
agricultural tools are made by hammering u Copper is used for making electric wires due

Metals and Non-metals 71

 to its high electric conductivity. Copper coils u Chromium is used in the electroplating of
are used in several electrical appliances. iron to make it corrosion resistant.
u Copper and aluminium are used extensively u Silver foils are used for decorating sweets.
for making cooking utensils due to their high u Tin is used to coat iron plates to make food
thermal conductivity. ey are also used for containers.
making water boilers for factories. u Tin is also used for making several alloys,
u Copper is used for making several alloys, such as solder and bronze.
such as brass and bronze. Uses of Non-Metals
Some of the important uses of common non-
Knowledge Booster metals are as follows:
Alloys are made by mixing either metals with other
u Oxygen is a common non-metal, which is
metals, or metals with non-metals, to enhance their
proper es. used daily by plants and animals for
respiration.
Uses of aluminium u Nitrogen and phosphorous are widely used
u Aluminium has good tensile strength and it in making fertilisers.
is much lighter than iron or steel. It is, u Chlorine is used in water puri cation plants
therefore, used in making aeroplanes. to purify water and kill the germs present in
u Aluminium and copper are used extensively it.
in making cooking utensils due to their high u Carbon as diamond is used in making
thermal conductivity. ey are also used for jewellery and cutting tools.
making water boilers for factories. u Carbon as coal is used as a fuel.
u Aluminium foil is used for packaging food u Carbon as charcoal is used in lters to purify
items, medicines, chocolates, etc. air and water.
u Aluminium alloys are light and strong. ey u Graphite is used to make the lead of pencils,
are, therefore, used in making engine parts and electrodes of dry cells.
for aircra and cars. u Phosphorous is used in manufacturing
Uses of zinc matchsticks and reworks.
u Zinc metal is used for galvanising iron to u Hydrogen can be used as a fuel. It is a highly
protect it from rusting. combustible gas. It is believed that hydrogen
u Zinc is used in making electric dry cells. will be used as a non-polluting fuel in the
future.
u Zinc, along with copper is used in making
several important alloys, like brass, bronze u Hydrogen is used in the manufacturing of

and German silver. ammonia gas, which is used to make

ammonia-based fertilisers.
Uses of some other metals
u Sulphur is used in making vulcanised
u Gold, silver and platinum metals are used in
rubber.
making jewellery.
u Sulphur is also used in making several
u Mercury is used in making thermometers. insecticides and fungicides.

72 Exploring Science-8
Checkpoint-2
Fill in the blanks
1. Metals generally react with ______________ to form metal oxides.
2. Magnesium oxide reacts with water to form ______________.
3. Copper sulphate solution is ______________ in colour.
4. ______________ foils are used for decorating sweets.
5. ______________ is the most reactive metal.

Keywords
Metals : Elements with the characteristic properties of malleability and ductility.
Non-metals : Elements lacking the properties of metals.
Metalloids : Elements that exhibit properties of both metals and non-metals.
Lustre : Shiny appearance over the surface of objects.
Malleability : Ability of a material to be hammered into sheets.
Ductility : Ability of materials to be drawn into wires.
Sonorous : Materials capable of producing a ringing sound.
Brittle : Ability of a material to be easily broken into pieces.

Points to Remember
u Elements are unique substances with unique properties that cannot be broken down into two
or more simpler substances.
u Almost all elements can be broadly classi ed into metals and non-metals.
u Metalloids are elements that exhibit the properties of both metals and non-metals.
u Metals are strong, hard, lustrous, malleable, ductile and sonorous materials and they can
conduct heat and electricity.
u Non-metals are so, brittle, dull, non-sonorous and non-conductive materials.
u Metals react with oxygen to form metal oxides. Metal oxides are basic in nature.
u Non-metals react with oxygen to form non-metal oxides. Non-metal oxides are acidic in nature.
u Most metals react with water to form metal hydroxides. Metal hydroxides are basic in nature.
u Non-metals do not react with water.
u Most metals react with dilute acids to form corresponding salts and hydrogen gas.
u Most non-metals do not react with dilute acids.
u Some metals react with bases to form corresponding salts and hydrogen gas.
u Some non-metals react with bases, but no hydrogen gas is produced.
u More reactive metals are placed higher in the reactive series of metals than less reactive metals.
u A more reactive metal can easily displace a less reactive metal from its salt solution.
u Metals and non-metals are used widely in everyday life.

Metals and Non-metals 73

 Exercise
A. Tick () the Correct Option
1. Which of the following statements is incorrect?
(a) Metals are generally hard, strong and have high tensile strength.
(b) Metals are malleable, ductile, lustrous and sonorous.
(c) Metals are good conductors of heat and electricity.
(d) Metals can exist in gaseous form at room temperature.
2. Which of the following statements is correct?
(a) Non-metals form basic oxides on reaction with oxygen.
(b) Metals are so, brittle and easy to cut with a knife.
(c) When metals react with bases, hydrogen gas is evolved.
(d) Metals do not react with dilute acids.
3. Which of the following statements is incorrect?
(a) Most of the elements that can be naturally found are non-metals.
(b) Non-metals do not react with water.
(c) Non-metals are poor conductors of heat and electricity.
(d) Non-metals can exist in gaseous form at room temperature.
4. ______________ is a non-metal that is used to make the lead of pencils.
(a) Diamond (b) Graphite
(c) Charcoal (d) Coal
5. Which of the following is a non-metal?
(a) Cobalt (b) Nickel
(c) Mercury (d) Phosphorous

B. Fill in the Blanks with Suitable Words

1. Elements are made up of ______________.
2. ______________ metal is liquid at room temperature.
3. ______________ is the property of a substance to break into pieces.
4. ______________ is the best conductor of electricity.
5. Steel is a ______________ free alloy of iron.
6. ______________ is a non-metal which is stored underwater.
7. Corrosion of copper leads to a ______________ colour coating on copper objects.
8. Graphite is a form of ______________ non-metal.

74 Exploring Science-8
C. Very Short-Answer-Type Questions
1. What are elements?
2. What are metalloids? Give two examples of metalloids.
3. Name a non-metal which is lustrous.
4. De ne malleability.
5. De ne ductility.
6. Non-metals have a lower tensile strength in comparison to metals. True or false?
7. Which metals can be cut into pieces with a knife?
8. Name the non-metal which is liquid at room temperature.
9. Metal oxides turn blue litmus paper red. True or false?
10. Gold and silver do not react with water. True or false?
11. Which metal is stored in kerosene to prevent it from reacting with the air and moisture
present around it?
12. Which metal is used in thermometers?
D. Short-Answer-Type Questions
1. What is the general physical state of metals and non-metals at room temperature? Mention
the exceptions, if any.
2. Why are bridges and railway lines made of metals instead of non-metals?
3. Why are copper and aluminium metals used to make electric wires? Why is silver not
preferred over copper or aluminium?
4. State any two physical properties of aluminium that can be used to prove that it is a metal.
5. With the help of an example each, show how metals and non-metals react to oxygen
differently.
6. Under what conditions does the rusting of iron take place? Write a chemical equation to
represent the process of rusting of iron.
7. What happens when a metal reacts with a dilute acid? Write an equation to represent:
(a) reaction of a metal with hydrochloric acid.
(b) reaction of a metal with sulphuric acid.
8. Why are lemon pickles stored in glass containers instead of metal containers?
9. What happens when a metal reacts with a base? Write an equation to represent:
(a) reaction of zinc with sodium hydroxide.
(b) reaction of aluminium with sodium hydroxide.
10. Why does the blue colour copper sulphate solution start fading and become colourless
when a strip of zinc metal is placed in it?

Metals and Non-metals 75

 E. Long-Answer-Type Questions
1. Draw a table to compare the physical properties of metals and non-metals.
2. Draw a table to compare the chemical properties of metals and non-metals.
3. What does the reactivity series of metals represent? Draw the reactivity series of metals.
4. With the help of an activity show how a more reactive metal can displace a less reactive
metal from its salt solution.
5. Mention ve uses of metals.
6. Mention ve uses of non-metals.

HOTS
1. Saloni took a piece of burning charcoal and collected the gas evolved in a test tube. How will
she nd the nature of the gas? Write down the word equations of all the reactions taking
place in this process.
2. Metal ‘M’ catches re on coming in contact with air or water. It can also be cut with a knife. If
‘M’ is not sodium, which other metal could it be?

Activity Zone
A. Match the substances given in Column-A with their uses given in Column-B.

Column-A Column-B
Gold Wrapping food
Iron Electric wires
Aluminium Matchstick
Carbon Jewellery
Copper Pencil
Graphite Fuel
Phosphorous ermometers
Mercury Chains

Project Work
B. Many metals are found in the Earth’s crust in the form of minerals. ere are some minerals
from which metals can be extracted. ese minerals are called ores. For example, iron can be
extracted from hematite ores, aluminium can be extracted from bauxite ores and zinc can be
extracted from zincate ores. Find out the location of iron, aluminium and zinc deposits in
India and explain their signi cant contributions to the global market. NCF C-8.1

C. Electroplating is the process of depositing a very thin layer of a metal on the surface of another
metal using electric current. We studied that chromium is electroplated on iron objects to
prevent them from rusting. Find out how the electroplating process takes place. Make a
detailed note about it in your notebook. Share your ndings with your classmates.

76 Exploring Science-8
 Social & Cross-Cultural Interaction
Science Excursion
D. Visit a blacksmith and observe how metals are moulded. Make detailed notes on the
techniques used by the blacksmith, and re ect on the unique methods that visitors can learn.

Memory Map
Solid at room Solid, liquid or gaseous
temperature at room temperature
physical properties

physical properties
Lustrous Dull appearance

Ductile and Malleable Brittle

Good conductor Poor conductor of heat

of heat and electricity and electricity
Strong and Hard So

Metals ELEMENTS Non-metals

React with oxygen to React with oxygen to

form basic oxides form acidic oxides

chemical properties
chemical properties

React with water to form

metal hydroxides Do not react with water

React with acids to form

salts and hydrogen gas Do not react with acids

Some non-metals react

Some metals react with bases
with bases to form salt,
to form salt and hydrogen gas
but no hydrogen gas

e-Resources
Please visit the link given below or scan the QR code for more resources on
this chapter:

[Link]
[Link]

Metals and Non-metals 77