๐Ÿ”น Introduction

In our daily lives, we use many materials like iron, copper, aluminum, sulfur, etc. These are either metals or non-metals.


๐Ÿ”ง Metals – Characteristics

PropertyMetals
AppearanceLustrous (shiny)
HardnessHard and strong (except Na, K)
MalleabilityCan be beaten into sheets
DuctilityCan be drawn into wires
ConductivityGood conductor of heat & electricity
SonorousProduces ringing sound
ExamplesIron, Copper, Aluminium, Zinc

๐ŸŒฑ Non-Metals – Characteristics

PropertyNon-Metals
AppearanceDull (except Iodine)
HardnessSoft (except Diamond)
MalleabilityNot malleable
DuctilityNot ductile
ConductivityPoor conductor
SonorousNot sonorous
ExamplesSulfur, Phosphorus, Oxygen

⚗️ Reactivity Series

Reactivity series is the arrangement of metals in order of decreasing reactivity.

      K > Na > Ca > Mg > Al > Zn > Fe > Pb > Cu > Hg > Ag > Au 

Highly Reactive: K > Na > Ca > Mg > Al
Moderate: Zn > Fe > Pb
Less Reactive: Cu > Hg > Ag > Au


๐Ÿงช Chemical Properties of Metals

  1. Reaction with Oxygen:

    • Metal + Oxygen → Metal Oxide

    • E.g., 4Na + O₂ → 2Na₂O

  2. Reaction with Water:

    • Metal + Water → Metal Hydroxide + Hydrogen

    • E.g., 2K + 2H₂O → 2KOH + H₂↑

  3. Reaction with Acids:

    • Metal + Acid → Salt + Hydrogen

    • E.g., Zn + H₂SO₄ → ZnSO₄ + H₂↑

  4. Reaction with Salt Solutions:

    • A more reactive metal displaces a less reactive one.

    • E.g., Fe + CuSO₄ → FeSO₄ + Cu


⚗️ Chemical Properties of Non-Metals

  • Usually gain electrons.

  • React with hydrogen to form covalent compounds.

  • Do not react with dilute acids.

  • E.g., S + O₂ → SO₂


๐Ÿงฒ Uses of Metals and Non-Metals

MetalsNon-Metals
Electrical wires (Cu)Oxygen for respiration
Cooking utensils (Al)Sulfur for medicine
Construction (Fe)Chlorine for water treatment

Key Points to Remember

  • Metals are good conductors, malleable, ductile.

  • Non-metals are brittle and poor conductors.

  • Displacement reactions help determine reactivity.

  • Metals form basic oxides; non-metals form acidic oxides.