---
type: "Chapter"
knowledge_type: "chapter"
entity_type: "chapter"
id: "69bff44ffb5daab696d9d4c9"
title: "The World of Metals and Non-metals"
board: "CBSE"
curriculum: "CBSE"
class: "Class 7"
subject: "Science"
book: "Curiosity"
chapter: "The World of Metals and Non-metals"
chapter_slug: "the-world-of-metals-and-non-metals"
canonical_url: "https://www.edzy.ai/cbse-class-7-science-curiosity-the-world-of-metals-and-non-metals"
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source_type: "examSubjectBookChapter"
source_id: "69bff44ffb5daab696d9d4c9"
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source: "Edzy"
version: 1
last_updated: "2026-06-20"
---

# The World of Metals and Non-metals
Yashwant and Anandi explore the properties and uses of metals by visiting local ironsmiths. They learn from Sudarshan uncle about the crafting of daily use items from iron, while also examining the differences between metals and non-metals through various properties.

---

## Knowledge Snapshot

| Field | Details |
| :--- | :--- |
| Class | Class 7 |
| Subject | Science |
| Book | Curiosity |
| Chapter | The World of Metals and Non-metals |
| Pages | 41-51 |

---

## Chapter Summary

### Short Summary
The chapter discusses the properties of metals and non-metals, including malleability, ductility, sonority, conductivity, and their behavior in the presence of air and water, explaining their significance and uses.

### Detailed Summary
Yashwant and Anandi, interested in learning about metal crafting, visit an ironsmith and interact with craftsperson Sudarshan. They discover the crafting of everyday items from iron and discuss the properties of materials, such as malleability, ductility, sonority, and conductivity. The chapter explains that metals are typically lustrous, malleable, ductile, and good conductors of heat and electricity, while non-metals lack these characteristics. The effects of air and water on metals, specifically rusting, are also explored, highlighting the importance of metals and non-metals in daily life and civilization.

---

## Topic-Wise Explanation

### Properties of Materials
The chapter explores the various properties that differentiate metals from non-metals, including their appearance, hardness, and behaviors when subjected to physical forces.

### Malleability
Malleability is the property of metals that allows them to be beaten into thin sheets without breaking. Examples include aluminum foil and gold.

### Ductility
Ductility refers to the ability of metals to be drawn into wires. Gold is highly ductile, capable of being formed into long wires.

### Sonority
Sonority describes the characteristic of metals to produce a ringing sound when struck, unlike non-metals which produce dull sounds.

### Conduction of Heat
Metals are good conductors of heat, which is why they are favored for cooking utensils, while non-metals are poor conductors.

### Conduction of Electricity
Many metals are excellent conductors of electricity, while non-metals generally do not conduct electricity well.

---

## Core Ideas

| Idea | Explanation |
| :--- | :--- |
| Metals vs Non-metals | Metals are typically lustrous, malleable, and ductile; non-metals are not. |
| Rusting | The process by which iron develops brown deposits due to exposure to air and water. |

---

## Important Points for Revision

* Metals are generally hard and lustrous.
* Malleability allows metals to be shaped without breaking.
* Ductility enables metals to be drawn into wires.
* Metals produce a ringing sound, known as sonority.
* Metals conduct heat and electricity effectively.
* Non-metals are often poor conductors and lack malleability and ductility.
* Rusting affects iron when it comes in contact with moisture and air.
* Corrosion is the gradual deterioration of metal surfaces due to the environment.
* Elements are the building blocks of matter.

---

## Vocabulary and Glossary

| Word / Phrase | Meaning |
| :--- | :--- |
| Malleability | The ability to be hammered or pressed into shapes without breaking.
| Ductility | The ability to be drawn into wires.
| Sonority | The quality of producing a deep or ringing sound.
| Conductor | A material that allows the flow of heat or electricity.
| Rusting | The process in which iron reacts with moisture and air to form rust.
| Corrosion | The gradual destruction of materials by chemical reactions in the environment.

---

## Practice Questions

### Short Answer Questions
1. What are the general items made by ironsmiths?
2. Define malleability and give an example.
3. Why are metals preferred for cooking utensils?
4. What sound do metals produce when struck?
5. Describe the conditions that lead to rusting.

### Long Answer Questions
1. Explain the properties that distinguish metals from non-metals with examples.
2. Describe the process of rusting and methods to prevent it.
3. Discuss the importance of metals in everyday life and technology.

---

## Related Concepts

* Elements
* Corrosion
* Oxidation

---

## Source Attribution

| Field | Value |
| :--- | :--- |
| Source | Edzy |
| Reference Type | examSubjectBookChapter |
| Reference ID | 69bff44ffb5daab696d9d4c9 |
| Canonical URL | https://www.edzy.ai/cbse-class-7-science-curiosity-the-world-of-metals-and-non-metals |
| Markdown URL | https://www.edzy.ai/okf/chapter/cbse-class-7-science-curiosity-the-world-of-metals-and-non-metals.md |