Summary of Class 10 Science Chapter 3: Metals and Non-Metals

Metals and non-metals are fundamental building blocks of the world around us. Chapter 3 of Class 10 Science explores their properties, reactions, and uses, helping us understand their role in everyday life and industries.

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What Are Metals and Non-Metals?

1. Metals
   Metals are elements that are good conductors of heat and electricity, malleable, ductile, and shiny.

   • Examples: Iron (Fe), Aluminum (Al), Copper (Cu).
   • Common Uses: Construction, wiring, utensils.
   
   
   
   
   (Caption: Metals like iron are widely used in construction and manufacturing.)

2. Non-Metals
   Non-metals are elements that are poor conductors of heat and electricity, brittle, and dull in appearance.

   • Examples: Oxygen (O₂), Sulfur (S), Carbon (C).
   • Common Uses: Breathing, fertilizers, and medicines.
   
   
   
   
   (Caption: Charcoal is a common non-metal derived from carbon.)

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Physical Properties

Metals

• Good conductors of heat and electricity.
• Malleable (can be hammered into sheets).
• Ductile (can be drawn into wires).
• High melting and boiling points.

Non-Metals

• Poor conductors of heat and electricity.
• Brittle and cannot be drawn into wires.
• Low melting and boiling points.

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Chemical Properties

Reactions of Metals

1. Reaction with Oxygen

   • Metals react with oxygen to form metal oxides.
     Example: $$4Na + O_2 → 2Na_2O$$ (Sodium reacts with oxygen to form sodium oxide.)

2. Reaction with Water

   • Metals react with water to form metal hydroxides and release hydrogen gas.
     Example: $$2Na + 2H_2O → 2NaOH + H_2$$

Reactions of Non-Metals

1. Reaction with Oxygen

   • Non-metals react with oxygen to form acidic oxides.
     Example: $$C + O_2 → CO_2$$ (Carbon reacts with oxygen to form carbon dioxide.)

2. Reaction with Water

   • Non-metals generally do not react with water.

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Alloys

Alloys are mixtures of two or more metals or a metal and a non-metal.

• Examples:

  • Brass (Copper + Zinc)
  • Steel (Iron + Carbon)
  
  
  
  
  (Caption: Steel is a commonly used alloy in construction.)

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Uses of Metals and Non-Metals

1. Metals

   • Iron: Used in construction and machinery.
   • Aluminum: Lightweight, used in aircraft and packaging.
   • Copper: Used in electrical wiring.

2. Non-Metals

   • Oxygen: Essential for respiration.
   • Nitrogen: Used in fertilizers.
   • Carbon: Forms the basis of all life.

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Corrosion and Its Prevention

• Corrosion: Metals react with environmental elements like oxygen and moisture, leading to deterioration.

  • Example: Rusting of iron.
  • Prevention Methods:
    • Painting or coating with grease.
    • Galvanization (coating with zinc).
  
  
  
  
  (Caption: Rusting is a common example of corrosion.)

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Conclusion

This chapter highlights the essential properties and reactions of metals and non-metals. Their uses in daily life and industries make them indispensable. Understanding these elements helps us innovate and solve practical problems efficiently.

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Interesting Fact

Gold is the most malleable metal; a single gram can be beaten into a sheet covering one square meter!

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Image Sources

• Metal rods and Steel rods: Pixabay, Pexels.
• Charcoal and Rusting iron: Unsplash.

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