---
type: "Chapter"
knowledge_type: "chapter"
entity_type: "chapter"
id: "66cedef4e9dce5550f8f8540"
title: "Metals and Non-metals"
board: "CBSE"
curriculum: "CBSE"
class: "Class 10"
subject: "Science"
book: "Science"
chapter: "Metals and Non-metals"
chapter_slug: "metals-and-non-metals"
canonical_url: "https://www.edzy.ai/cbse-class-10-science-metals-and-non-metals"
markdown_url: "https://www.edzy.ai/okf/chapter/cbse-class-10-science-metals-and-non-metals.md"
source_type: "examSubjectBookChapter"
source_id: "66cedef4e9dce5550f8f8540"
source_pdf: "https://edzy-ai.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/edzy-express-ts/eb1b8755-5865-4943-958c-c5b4adc46b40.pdf"
source: "Edzy"
version: 1
last_updated: "2026-06-20"
---

# Metals and Non-metals
This chapter categorizes elements into metals and non-metals based on their properties, highlighting their significance and applications in daily life while examining both their physical and chemical characteristics.

---

## Knowledge Snapshot

| Field | Details |
| :--- | :--- |
| Class | Class 10 |
| Subject | Science |
| Book | Science |
| Chapter | Metals and Non-metals |
| Pages | 37-57 |

---

## Chapter Summary

### Short Summary
The chapter discusses the classification of elements as metals and non-metals, focusing on their physical and chemical properties, uses, and methods of extraction.

### Detailed Summary
The chapter explores physical properties such as malleability, ductility, and conductivity, providing activities to illustrate these features. It categorizes metals and non-metals, describes their chemical behaviors with oxygen, water, and acids, discusses their occurrence in nature as minerals and ores, and emphasizes the process of metal extraction. Corrosion of metals and methods to prevent it are also covered.

---

## Topic-Wise Explanation

### Physical Properties of Metals and Non-metals
Metals possess shiny surfaces (metallic lustre), are malleable, ductile, hard, good conductors of heat and electricity, and sonorous. Non-metals are usually dull, brittle, and poor conductors, with exceptions like iodine and graphite.

### Chemical Properties of Metals and Non-metals
Metals react with acids to release hydrogen and form salts, while non-metals primarily form acidic oxides. The reactivity varies among different metals.

### Uses of Metals and Non-metals
Metals are used in construction, electronics, and cooking utensils due to their malleability and conductivity. Non-metals have applications in various fields, including medicine and energy.

### Corrosion
Corrosion is the deterioration of metals through reactions with environmental agents. Methods like galvanization can prevent rusting.

---

## Core Ideas

| Idea | Explanation |
| :--- | :--- |
| Classification of Elements | Elements are classified based on physical and chemical properties into metals and non-metals, affecting their applications and behaviors in different environments. |

---

## Key Concepts

| Concept | Meaning |
| :--- | :--- |
| Metallic Lustre | The shiny appearance of metals in their pure state. |
| Malleability | The ability of a metal to be beaten into thin sheets. |
| Ductility | The ability of a metal to be drawn into wires. |
| Sonorous | The property of metals to produce sound when struck. |
| Corrosion | The process of degradation of metals due to environmental exposure. |

---

## Important Points for Revision

* Metals have a shiny appearance and are usually solid at room temperature.
* Gold and silver are the most malleable metals.
* Metals are good conductors of heat and electricity.
* Non-metals include carbon, sulfur, and oxygen, with varied states (solid, liquid, gas).
* Most metals form basic oxides, while non-metals often form acidic oxides.
* Reactive metals can displace less reactive metals from solutions.
* The earth's crust is the main source of metals, contained in minerals and ores.
* Corrosion can be prevented by various methods, including galvanization and painting.

---

## Vocabulary and Glossary

| Word / Phrase | Meaning |
| :--- | :--- |
| Alloy | A mixture of two or more metals or a metal and another element. |
| Oxide | A chemical compound that contains at least one oxygen atom and one other element. |

---

## Practice Questions

### Short Answer Questions
1. What are the key physical properties of metals?
2. How does malleability differ among metals?
3. Why are metals used for making cooking utensils?
4. What is the reaction of metals with acids?
5. Define corrosion and provide an example.

### Long Answer Questions
1. Explain the extraction process of metals from their ores.
2. Discuss the chemical properties of metals and non-metals with examples.
3. Compare and contrast the physical properties of metals and non-metals, including exceptions to general rules.

---

## Related Concepts

* Metallic Oxides
* Electrolysis
* Reactivity Series

---

## Source Attribution

| Field | Value |
| :--- | :--- |
| Source | Edzy |
| Reference Type | examSubjectBookChapter |
| Reference ID | 66cedef4e9dce5550f8f8540 |
| Canonical URL | https://www.edzy.ai/cbse-class-10-science-metals-and-non-metals |
| Markdown URL | https://www.edzy.ai/okf/chapter/cbse-class-10-science-metals-and-non-metals.md |
