Assignment I

Important Question of Chapter 3:Metal and Non-Metal

Question 1

Differentiate between metals and non-metals based on their physical properties:

Answer

Metals are generally solid at room temperature (except mercury), have luster, good conductors of heat and electricity, malleable and ductile. Non-metals can be solid, liquid, or gas at room temperature, lack luster, poor conductors of heat and electricity, not malleable or ductile.

Question 2

Explain the terms malleability and ductility with examples:

Answer

Malleability: The property of metals to be beaten into thin sheets. Example: Gold can be beaten into extremely thin sheets called gold leaf. Ductility: The property of metals to be drawn into wires. Example: Copper can be drawn into thin wires.

Question 3

Why do metals conduct electricity? Give an example of a good conductor of electricity:

Answer

Metals conduct electricity due to the presence of free electrons that can move freely within the metal lattice. Example: Copper is a good conductor of electricity.

Question 4

Define the term 'corrosion.' How can corrosion of metals be prevented?

Answer

Corrosion is the process of gradual deterioration of metals due to chemical reactions with the environment. Corrosion of metals can be prevented by methods such as painting, galvanization (applying a layer of zinc), and using sacrificial anodes.

Question 5

What is the reactivity series of metals? Arrange the following metals in order of increasing reactivity: copper, iron, magnesium, and zinc:

Answer

Reactivity series: Potassium, sodium, calcium, magnesium, aluminum, zinc, iron, lead, hydrogen, copper, silver, gold. Arrangement: Copper, iron, zinc, magnesium.

Question 6

Explain the process of extraction of metals using carbon reduction, using the example of iron extraction from its ore:

Answer

Iron is extracted from its ore (hematite) by heating it with carbon (coke) in a blast furnace. Carbon reduces the iron oxide to form iron and carbon dioxide.

Question 7

What is an alloy? Provide two examples of common alloys and their uses:

Answer

An alloy is a mixture of two or more metals, or a metal and a non-metal. Examples: Brass (copper and zinc) used for making utensils, bronze (copper and tin) used for making statues and coins.

Question 8

Discuss the importance of metals and non-metals in our daily life:

Answer

Metals are used for construction, transportation, electrical wiring, etc. Non-metals like oxygen are essential for respiration, carbon is the basis of organic compounds, etc.

Question 9

Why are some metals considered noble or inert? Give an example of a noble metal:

Answer

Noble or inert metals do not readily react with other substances. Example: Gold is a noble metal.

Question 10

Describe the properties and uses of hydrogen as a non-metal:

Answer

Hydrogen is a colorless, odorless gas, is highly flammable and burns with a pale blue flame. It is used in the Haber process for ammonia synthesis, in the hydrogenation of fats and oils, and as rocket fuel.