Ch.7: Metals and Nonmetals

Metals and Nonmetals | Class 8 | Science | Chapter 7 | Maharashtra State Board

Explore the fascinating world of metals, nonmetals, and metalloids in this comprehensive guide, detailing their physical and chemical properties, everyday applications, and unique traits like ductility, malleability, conductivity, and sonority. Perfect for students looking to deepen their understanding of elemental classification and real-world uses.

Questions & Answers

1. Complete the table

Ans.

	Property of metal	Use in everyday life
i.	Ductility	Gold, silver ornaments
ii.	Malleability	Aluminium sheets, galvanised sheets
iii.	Conduction of heat	Stainless steel vessels, copper vessels, boilers
iv.	Conduction of electricity	Copper wires
v.	Sonority	Brass articles

2. Identify the odd term

a. Gold, Silver, Iron, Diamond.

Ans. Diamond. (Others are metals.)

b. Ductility, Brittleness, Sonority, Malleability.

Ans. Brittleness. (Other properties are metallic properties.)

c. Carbon, Bromine, Sulphur, Phosphorus.

Ans. Bromine. (Others are solids.)

d. Brass, Bronze, Iron, Steel.

Ans. Iron. (Others are alloys.)

3. Give scientific reasons:

a. The stainless steel vessels in kitchen have copper coating on the bottom.

Ans.

1.  Stainless steel is an alloy of iron ; with carbon, chromium and nickel.

2.  The conductivity of copper is higher than that of iron in steel. Copper heats uniformly and faster. The time for cooking is reduced, as a result it saves fuel. Hence, the stainless steel vessels in kitchen have copper coating on the bottom.

b. Copper and brass vessels are cleaned with lemon.

Ans.

1. Copper undergoes oxidation in air to form black copper oxide. Copper oxide reacts slowly with carbon dioxide in air and gains a green coat. This green substance is copper carbonate.

2.  Lemon contains acid. The acid dissolves the green coating of basic copper carbonate present on the surface of a tarnished copper and brass vessels and makes them shiny again.

c. Sodium metal is kept in kerosene.

Ans.

1.  Sodium reacts so vigorously with atmospheric oxygen and water that it catches fire if kept in the open.

2.  It does not react with kerosene and sinks in it. Hence, to protect sodium and to prevent accidental fires it is always kept in kerosene.

4. Answer the following: 

a. What is done to prevent corrosion of metals?

Ans.

By applying a layer of paint, oil, grease or varnish on the surface of a metal to prevent corrosion. Also plating with non-corroding metal is done. Iron is coated with thin layer of zinc. Due to these processes the contact of metal surface with air is lost and corrosion is prevented.

b. What are the metals that make the alloys brass and bronze?

Ans.

The alloy brass is formed from copper and zinc and the alloy bronze is formed from copper and tin.

c. What are the adverse effects of corrosion?

Ans.

1.  A reddish coloured deposit (rust) is formed on iron by reaction with oxygen gas.

2.  A greenish coloured deposit (copper carbonate) is formed on copper by reaction with carbon dioxide.

3.  A blackish coloured deposit is formed (silver sulphide) on silver.

4.  Corrosion causes damages to car bodies, bridges, iron railings, ships specially those of iron, silver articles and copper vessels.

d. What are the uses of noble metals?

Ans. Uses of Noble Metals:

1. Gold, silver and platinum are used to prepare ornaments.

2.  Silver is used in medicines. (It has antibacterial property).

3.  Gold and silver are also used to make metals and few electronic devices.

4.  Platinum, palladium metals are used as catalyst.

5. Three experiments to study the process of rusting are given below.

Observe the three test tubes and answer the following questions.

a. Why the nail in the test tube 2 is not rusted?

Ans.

In the test tube 2, oil cuts the supply of air to nail due to which oxidation of nail is prevented and boiled water is free from gases. Hence, the nail in the test tube 2 is not rusted.

b. Why is the nail in the test tube 1 is rusted highly?

Ans.

The nail in the test tube 1 is highly rusted because nail is in contact with water and air. The oxidation process is fast.

c. Would the nail in the test tube 3 get rusted?

Ans.

No change is observed in the test tube 3. Nail remains as it is because the calcium chloride absorbs moisture, making the air dry, thus preventing rusting of the nail.

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E X T R A

1. Rewrite the sentences after filling the blanks:

1. Gold of 100% purity is …………… carat gold.

Ans. Gold of 100% purity is 24 carat gold.

2. The stainless steel utensils used at home are made of an alloy of iron with carbon, …………… and ………. . .

Ans. The stainless steel utensils used at home are made of an alloy of iron with carbon, nickel and chromium.

3. ……………. . is used in medicines.

Ans. Silver is used in medicines.

4. To prepare ornaments ………… carat gold is used.

Ans. To prepare ornaments 22 carat gold is used.

5. Non-metals are ………… conductors of heat and electricity.

Ans. Non-metals are bad conductors of heat and electricity.

6. Non-metals form …………. . oxides.

Ans. Non-metals form acidic oxides.

7. Some element can be hammered into thin sheets. This property is called ……………. .

Ans. Some element can be hammered into thin sheets. This property is called malleability.

8. Iodine and ……………. are the two non – metals having typical metallic lustre.

Ans. Iodine and diamond are the two non¬metals having typical metallic lustre.

9. Non-metals form ………. ions by gain of electrons.

Ans. Non-metals form negative ions by gain of electrons.

10. During formation of positively charged ion, atom of metal …………. . .

Ans. During formation of positively charged ion, atom of metal lose electrons.

2. Rewrite the following statements by selecting the correct options:

1. Metalloids have properties of …………. .

(a) metals

(b) non-metals

(c) both metals and non-metals

(d) neither metals nor non-metals

Ans. Metalloids have properties of both metals and non-metals.

2. …………. . is a metal.

(a) Hg

(b) S

(c) P

(d) Br

Ans. Hg is a metal.

3. …………… is a non-metal.

(a) Aug

(b) Ag

(c) Br

(d) Cu

Ans. Br is a non-metal.

4. ……………. is a metalloid.

(a) Aluminium

(b) Antimony

(c) Zinc

(d) Mercury

Ans. Antimony is a metalloid.

5. ……………. is a metal which is in liquid form at ordinary temperature.

(a) Gallium

(b) Magnesium

(c) Sodium

(d) Scandium

Ans. Gallium is a metal which is in liquid form at ordinary temperature.

6. ……………. . is an acidic oxide.

(a) Na2O

(b) CO2

(c) FeOs

(d) H2O

Ans. CO2 is an acidic oxide.

7. The valence electron in …………… atom is 1.

(a) magnesium

(b) sodium

(c) silicon

(d) aluminium

Ans. The valence electron in sodium atom is 1.

8. The electronic configuration of oxygen is ……………. . .

(a) 2, 5

(b) 2, 6

(c) 2, 4

(d) 2, 8, 6

Ans. The electronic configuration of oxygen is 2, 6

9. Pure ………… is soft.

(a) aluminium

(b) silver

(c) gold

(d) platinum

Ans. Pure gold is soft.

10. …………… is a highly malleable metal.

(a) Iron(b) Nickel

(c) Manganese

(d) Aluminium

Ans. Aluminium is a highly malleable metal.

11. 22 carat gold is gold of …………… purity.

(a) 100%

(b) 91. 66%

(c) 75%

(d) 44%

Ans. 22 carat gold is gold of 91. 66% purity.

3. State whether the following statements are True or False:

1. Metals are sonorous.

Ans. True.

2. Diamond is the softest natural substance.

Ans. False. (Diamond is the hardest natural substance.)

3. The density of lithium is lower than water.

Ans. True.

4. Sulphur is brown in colour.

Ans. False. (Sulphur is yellow in colour.)

5. Germanium is a metalloid.

Ans. True.

6. Ornaments are made from 24 carat gold.

Ans. False. (Ornaments are made from 22 carat gold.)

7. A reddish coloured deposit is formed on iron by reaction with oxygen.

Ans. True.

8. Paladium and rhodium are noble metals.

Ans. True.

9. The metal oxides are acidic in nature.

Ans. False. (The metal oxides are basic in nature.)

10. The metal reacts with dilute acids to form a metal salt.

Ans. True.

4. Identify the odd term:

1. Magnesium, Mercury, Sodium, Iron.

Ans. Mercury. (Others metals are in solid state at normal temperature.)

2. Magnesium, Aluminium, Sulphur, Copper.

Ans. Sulphur. (Others are metals.)

3. Iron, Copper, Graphite, Phosphorus.

Ans. Phosphorus. (Others are good conductors of electricity.)

4. Tin, Bronze, Steel, Stainless steel.

Ans. Tin. (Others are alloys.)

5. Consider the relation between the items in the first pair and write the correlation for second pair:

1. Mercury : Metal : : Carbon : …………. .

Ans. Non-metal

2. Wood : Bad conductor of electricity : : Copper : ………………… .

Ans. Good conductor or electricity

3. Gold : Noble metal : : Copper: ……………. .

Ans. Metal

4. Iron and carbon : Steel : : Copper and Tin : ………. . .

Ans. Bronze

6. Define the following:

1. Ductility:

Ans.

The property due to which a substance can be drawn into a thin wire is called ductility.

2. Malleability:

Ans.

The property due to which a substance can be hammered into a thin sheet is called malleability.

3. Metalloids: 

Ans.

The element which shows the properties of metals as well as those of non-metals is called a metalloid.

4. Corrosion: 

Ans.

Gases in the air react with metals in presence of moisture to form metal compounds on its surface, this destroys the metal gradually and is called corrosion.

5. Alloy:

Ans.

A homogeneous mixture of two or more metals or a homogeneous mixture of metal with non-metals is called alloy.

7. Answer the following questions in one sentence:

1. Name an alloy of copper and tin.

Ans.

An alloy of copper and tin is termed as bronze.

2. Name a metal which is in liquid state at ordinary temperature.

Ans.

Mercury is in liquid state at ordinary temperature.

3. Name two metals which are malleable.

Ans.

Iron and  aluminium are malleable metals.

4. Name two metals which are ductile.

Ans.

Gold and silver are ductile metals.

5. Name two metals which are good conductors of heat.

Ans.

Silver and copper are good conductors of heat.

6. Name two metals which are good conductors of electricity.

Ans.

Copper and aluminium are good conductors of electricity.

7. Name two non-metals which are in solid state at room temperature.

Ans.

Carbon and sulphur are solids at room temperature.

8. Name two non-metals which are in gaseous state at room temperature.

Ans.

Hydrogen and oxygen are in gaseous state at room temperature.

9. Name the non-metal having electrical conductivity.

Ans.

Graphite has electrical conductivity.

10. Name two non-metals which are lustrous.

Ans.

Iodine and diamond are lustrous in nature.

11. Name two non-metals having high melting points.

Ans.

Carbon and boron melt at high temperature.

12. State two metals which can be cut easily with a knife.

Ans.

Sodium and potassium are soft metals and can be cut easily with a knife.

13. Which is the hardest natural substance?

Ans.

Diamond, which is a form of carbon is the hardest natural substance.

14. State the property of the metals for which they can be drawn into wires.

Ans.

The property of the metals due to which they can be drawn into wires is called ductility.

15. State the property of the metals due to which they can be beaten into thin sheets.

Ans.

The property of the metals due to which they can be beaten into thin sheets is called malleability.

16. Which of the following metals react with cold water? Sodium, iron, copper, potassium.

Ans.

Sodium and potassium metals react with cold water.

17. Which of the following metals do not react with cold water or hot water?

Ans.

Aluminium and iron do not react with cold water or hot water.

18. What are the constituents of stainless steel?

Ans.

Iron with carbon, chromium and nickel are the constituents of stainless steel.

19. State the term used to express the purity of gold.

Ans.

The purity of gold is expressed in carat.

20. Name two metals having low melting points and boiling points.

Ans.

Sodium and potassium having low melting points and boiling points.

21. Name a non-metal which is in liquid state at room temperature.

Ans.

Bromine is in liquid state at room temperature.

22. State the atomic number and electronic configuration of sodium.

Ans.

Atomic number of sodium: 11. Electronic configuration of sodium (Na): 2, 8, 1.

23. State the atomic number and electronic configuration of aluminium.

Ans.

Atomic number of aluminium: 13. Electronic configuration of aluminium (Al): 2, 8, 3.

24. Give two example of metalloids.

Ans.

Metalloids: Arsenic (As),germanium (Ge), antimony (Sb).

25. State the atomic number and electronic configuration of nitrogen.

Ans.

Atomic number of nitrogen: 7. Electronic configuration of nitrogen (N): 2, 5.

8. Answer the following questions:

1. A metal can be drawn into a wire. Explain why.

Ans.

1.  The property due to which a substance can be draw into a thin wire is called ductility.

2.  Metals are ductile. Thus, a metal can be draw into a wire.

2. A metal can be hammered into a i thin sheet. Explain why.

Ans.

1.  The property due to which a substance can be hammered (or rolled) into a thin sheet without cracking is called malleability.

2.  Metals are malleable. Thus, a metal can be hammered to form a thin sheet.

3. State the properties of metals.

Ans.

1.  Metals have a lustre.

2.  Metals are malleable. They can be beaten into thin sheets.

3.  Metals are ductile. They can be drawn into wires.

4.  They are good conductors of heat and electricity.

5.  At ordinary temperature, metals are generally solid. (Exception: Mercury is liquid.)

6.  Metals usually have high density.

4. State the properties of non-metals.

Ans. 

1.  Non-metals lack lustre.

2.  As non-metals are brittle, they are not malleable.

3.  They are not ductile.

4.  Non-metals are poor conductors of heat and electricity.

5.  At ordinary temperature, non-metals are in the solid or gaseous state. (Exception: Bromine is liquid.)

6.  Non-metals have low density in the solid state.

5. Classify the following elements into metals and non-metals :Silicon, gold, silver, sulphur, carbon, aluminium, copper and phosphorus.

Ans. Metals: Gold, silver, aluminium and copper. Non-metals: Silicon, sulphur, carbon and phosphorus.

6. How are metal oxides formed? Explain with an example.

Ans.

Metals combine with oxygen in the ’ air to form their oxides. Metal + Oxygen → Metal oxide [Note: Reaction/explanation given in the screen are for better understanding of students. The same are not given in the textbook. ]When magnesium burns in air, it combines with oxygen to form magnesium oxide.

2Mg + O2 → 2MgO

Magnesium + Oxygen → Magnesium oxide

7. How will you show that metal oxides are basic in nature?

Ans.

1. Take magnesium oxide in a test S tube. Add water in the test-tube. Shake the test-tube. Test the solution with red and blue litmus paper. Blue litmus paper remains as it is while red litmus paper turns blue. This shows that metal oxides are basic in nature.

2. Metal oxides react with an acid to form salt and water. Therefore, metal oxides are basic in nature.

   Metal oxide + Acid → + Water

   MgO + 2HCL → MgCl2 + H2O

   Magnesium oxide + Hydrochloric acid → Magnesium chloride (Salt) + Water

8. How do metals react with acid? Explain with an example.

Ans.

The metals react with dilute acids to form metal salts. Metals liberate hydrogen gas from dilute acids.

Metal + Dilute acid → Metal salt + Hydrogen gas.

Magnesium reacts with dilute HCl to form magnesium chloride and hydrogen gas.

Mg + 2HCL → MgCl2 (Magnesium chloride) + H2↑

9. How do metals react with water? Explain with an example.

Ans.

Most metals do not react with cold water. But some metals like sodium and potassium react with cold water to form their hydroxides and hydrogen gas. Sodium reacts with water to form sodium hydroxide.

2Na + 2H2O → 2NaOH (Sodium hydroxide) + H2↑

10. How do non-metals react with oxygen? Explain with an example. Ans.

Non-metals combine with oxyen to form their oxides.

Non-metal + Oxygen → Non-metal oxide.

When carbon burns in air, it combines with oxygen to form carbon dioxide.

C + O2 → CO2 (Carbon dioxide)

11. How will you show that non- metal oxides are acidic in nature?

Ans.

1. Take non-metal oxide in a test tube. Add water in the test tube. Test the solution with blue and red litmus paper. Red litmus paper remains as it is while blue litmus paper turns red. This shows that non¬metal oxides are acidic in nature.

2. The oxides of non-metals are acidic in nature. They react with bases to form soluble salt and water. Therefore, non-metal oxides are acidic in nature.

   C + O2 → CO2

   CO2 + 2NaOH → Na2CO3 + H2O

12. What is meant by noble metals? Give two examples.

Ans.

Some metals like gold, silver, platinum, paladium and rhodium are found in nature in the form of elements. They are not affected by air, water, acids and heat etc. Hence, they are called noble metals.

9. Give scientific reasons:

1. Ornaments are generally not made from 24-carat gold.

Ans.

1. 24-carat gold is considered as gold of 100% purity.

2. 24-carat pure gold is very soft. 100% pure gold breaks due to pressure or gets bent easily. Therefore, ornaments are generally not made from 24-carat gold.

2. Ships are painted at frequent intervals.

Ans.

1. The metal sheets of ships are made from iron.

2. Due to salty seawater, the metal sheets of ships get rusted and corroded. Paints contain metals like zinc or magnesium. This prevents the metal surface of the ship coming into direct contact with salty seawater. Therefore, ships are painted at frequent intervals.

3. Gold and platinum are called noble elements.

Ans.

1. The metals such as gold and platinum are found in nature in the form of elements.

2. They are not affected by  water, air, acids, heat and also do not take part in chemical reactions. Hence, they are called noble metals.

10. Explain the following reactions with the help of balanced equations:

1. Magnesium combines with oxygen.

Ans.

Magnesium combines with oxygen to form magnesium oxide.

2Mg + O2 →2MgO

Magnesium + Oxygen → Magnesium oxide

2. Magnesium oxide reacts with dilute HCl.

Ans. 

When magnesium oxide reacts with dilute HCl, magnesium chloride (salt) and water are formed.

MgO + 2HCl → MgCl2 + H2O

Magnesium oxide + Dilute Hydrochloric acid → Magnesium chloride + Water

3. Magnesium reacts with dilute HCl.

Ans.

When magnesium reacts with dil. hydrochloric acid, magnesium chloride is formed and hydrogen gas is evolved.

Mg(s) + 2HCl(aq) → MgCl2 (aq) + H2 (g)

Magnesium + dil. Hydrochloric acid → Magnesium chloride + Hydrogen

4. Sodium reacts with water.

Ans.

When sodium reacts with water, sodium hydroxide and hydrogen gas are formed.

2Na +2H2O → 2NaOH + H2

Sodium + Water → Sodium hydroxide + Hydrogen

5. Carbon burns in air.

Ans. 

When carbon burns in air, carbon dioxide is formed.

C + O2 → CO2

Carbon + Oxygen → Carbon dioxide

6. Carbon dioxide reacts with sodium hydroxide.

Ans.

When carbon dioxide reacts with sodium hydroxide, soluble salt sodium; carbonate and water are formed.

CO2 + 2NaOH → Na2CO3 + H2O

Carbon dioxide + Sodium hydroxide → Sodium carbonate + Water

7. Carbon dioxide reacts with water.

Ans.

When carbon dioxide reacts with water, carbonic acid is formed.

CO2 + H2O → H2CO3

Carbon dioxide + Water → Carbonic acid

8. Sulphur dioxide reacts with water.

Ans.

When sulphur dioxide reacts with water, sulphurous acid is formed.

SO2 (g) + H2O → H2SO3

Sulphur dioxide + Water → Sulphurous acid

9. Sulphur trioxide reacts with water.

Ans.

When sulphur trioxide reacts with water, sulphuric acid is formed.

SO3 (g) + H2O → H2SO4

Sulphur trioxide + Water → Sulphuric acid

11. Write short notes:

1. The noble metals.

Ans. Some metals like gold, silver, platinum, paladium and rhodium are found in nature in the form of elements. They are not affected by air, water, acids and heat etc. Hence, they are called noble metals.

Uses of Nobel Metals:

1. Gold, silver and platinum are used to prepare ornaments.

2. Silver is used in medicines. (It has antibacterial property).

3. Gold and silver are also used to make metals and few electronic devices.

4. Platinum, palladium metals are used as catalyst. .

2. The purity of gold.

Ans.

1. The purity of gold is measured in carats.

2. Twenty-four carat gold is considered as gold of 100% purity.

3. 24-carat pure gold is very soft. 100% pure gold bends easily or breaks due to pressure. Therefore, copper or silver is added to gold in the necessary proportion (while making ornaments).

4. Generally, 22-carat gold is used in making ornaments.

Percentage of gold	Carat
100%	24
91.66%	22
75%	18

3. Corrosion.

Ans.

Corrosion: Gases in the air react with metals in presence of moisture to form metal compounds on its surface, this destroys the metal gradually and is called corrosion.

By applying a layer of paint, oil, grease or varnish on the surface of a metal to prevent corrosion. Also plating with non-corroding metal is done. Iron is coated with thin layer of zinc. Due to these processes, the contact of a metal surface with air is lost and corrosion is prevented.

1. A reddish coloured deposit (rust) is formed on iron by reaction with oxygen gas.

2. A greenish coloured deposit (copper carbonate) is formed on copper by reaction with carbon dioxide.

3. A blackish coloured deposit is formed (silver sulphide) on silver.

4. Corrosion causes damages to car bodies, bridges, iron railings, ships specially those of iron, silver articles and copper vessels.

4. Alloys.

Ans.

1. A homogeneous mixture of two or more metals or of metals and non-metals is called an alloy.

2. They contain metals in specific proportions.

3. The physical properties of an alloy are different from those of its constituents, but chemical properties remain the same.

4. Copper and tin are used to make an alloy called bronze. It is hard and corrosion resistant.

5. When iron and carbon are mixed, an alloy steel is formed. It is a stronger material.

6. The alloy, stainless steel is made from iron, carbon, nickel and chromium. It is more durable, clean and does not rust.

12. Distinguish between the following:

1. Metals and Non-metals

Ans.

	Metals	Non-metals
1.	Metals have luster.	Non-metals do not have luster.
2.	Metals are malleable.	Non-metals are not malleable.
3.	Metals are ductile.	Non-metals are not ductile.
4.	Metals are good cunductors of heat and electricity.	Non-metals are poor conductors of heat and electricity.
5.	At room temperature, metals are in the solid state. (Exception: Mercuty is liquid)	At room temperature, non-metals are in the solid, or gaseous state. (Exception Bromine. It is in liquid state.)
6.	Generally, metals have high density.	Generally, non-metals have lower density.

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