RBSE Class 10 Science Chapter 3: Metals and Non-Metals (धातु एवं अधातु) – Complete Notes 2026

Board: RBSE | Class: 10 | Subject: Science (Chemistry) | Session: 2025–26

1. Introduction

Metals and Non-Metals is a foundation chapter for Chemistry. It connects chemical reactions (Ch-1), acids–bases–salts (Ch-2) and leads to carbon compounds, electricity and environment. This chapter is high-weightage and concept-driven in RBSE Board exams.

2. Definitions (Exam-Ready)

• Metal: Elements that generally lose electrons to form positive ions (cations).
• Non-Metal: Elements that generally gain or share electrons.

3. Physical Properties

Exam Tip: Mercury (Hg) is a metal but liquid at room temperature.

4. Chemical Properties of Metals

4.1 Reaction with Oxygen

2Mg + O₂ → 2MgO

Metal oxides are generally basic. Some oxides (Al₂O₃, ZnO) are amphoteric.

4.2 Reaction with Water

• Highly reactive: Na, K react vigorously with cold water.
• Moderately reactive: Mg reacts with hot water.
• Less reactive: Fe reacts with steam.

2Na + 2H₂O → 2NaOH + H₂↑

4.3 Reaction with Acids

Zn + 2HCl → ZnCl₂ + H₂↑

Note: Cu, Ag, Au do not react with dilute acids.

5. Reactivity Series (Most Important)

The reactivity series arranges metals in decreasing order of reactivity.

Uses: • Extraction of metals • Displacement reactions • Corrosion prevention

6. Extraction of Metals

1. Highly reactive: Electrolysis (Na, K)
2. Moderately reactive: Reduction with carbon (Zn, Fe)
3. Low reactivity: Found in free state (Au, Ag)

7. Corrosion and its Prevention

Corrosion is the gradual destruction of metals due to chemical reactions with the environment.

• Rusting: Iron + Oxygen + Water
• Prevention: Painting, Galvanisation, Alloying

8. Alloys

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Chapter 3: Metals and Non-Metals — Questions Bank (Board Pattern)

Coverage: Very Short (1m), Short (2–3m), Long (5m), MCQs, Assertion–Reason, HOTS

A. Very Short Answer (1 Mark)

1. What is malleability?
2. Name a metal which is liquid at room temperature.
3. Which non-metal shows lustre?
4. What is an amphoteric oxide?
5. Write the chemical formula of rust.
6. Which metal is the best conductor of electricity?
7. Name a non-metal that conducts electricity.
8. What is an alloy?
9. Which gas is evolved when metals react with dilute acids?
10. Name the least reactive metal.

B. Short Answer (2–3 Marks)

1. Differentiate between metals and non-metals (any three points).
2. Why are metals good conductors of heat and electricity?
3. What happens when magnesium burns in air? Write the equation.
4. Explain why aluminium is used for making cooking utensils.
5. What is galvanisation? Why is it done?
6. Why do gold and platinum occur in free state?
7. Write two uses of alloys.
8. Why is copper not used to displace hydrogen from acids?

C. Long Answer (5 Marks)

1. Explain the reactivity series. State its importance.
2. Describe the extraction of metals based on their reactivity.
3. Explain corrosion with an example. Write methods of prevention.
4. Discuss the chemical properties of metals with equations.
5. What are alloys? Explain their properties and uses.

D. Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

Q1. Which metal is stored in kerosene?
A) Iron   B) Copper   C) Sodium   D) Zinc

Q2. Which oxide is amphoteric?
A) Na₂O   B) Al₂O₃   C) CO₂   D) SO₂

Q3. Which metal is most reactive?
A) Potassium   B) Iron   C) Copper   D) Silver

Q4. Rusting is an example of:
A) Reduction   B) Oxidation   C) Neutralisation   D) Decomposition

E. Assertion–Reason

Assertion (A): Aluminium is used for making aircraft bodies.
Reason (R): Aluminium is light and corrosion resistant.
Correct option: Both A and R are true and R explains A.

Assertion (A): Iron rusts faster in coastal areas.
Reason (R): Presence of moisture and salts increases corrosion.
Correct option: Both A and R are true and R explains A.

F. HOTS / Case-Based Questions

Case 1: A metal X reacts with cold water vigorously and is stored under kerosene.

1. Identify metal X.
2. Why is it stored under kerosene?
3. Write the reaction with water.

Case 2: A student used iron nails in copper sulphate solution.

1. What change is observed?
2. Name the type of reaction.
3. Write the balanced equation.

G. Common Exam Mistakes (Avoid These)

• Writing incorrect order of reactivity series.
• Confusing amphoteric oxides with basic oxides.
• Forgetting conditions (cold water / steam) in reactions.

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