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I. Chapter Summary

This chapter explores the physical and chemical properties of metals and non-metals, their reactivity, and important reactions involving them. It covers how metals and non-metals differ in terms of appearance, hardness, malleability, conductivity, and chemical behavior. The chapter also introduces the reactivity series, displacement reactions, and the process of extraction of metals from ores, including enrichment, roasting, calcination, and reduction. Lastly, it explains corrosion, alloys, and their industrial and real-life relevance.

II. Key Concepts Covered

Concept	Description
Physical Properties	Metals are lustrous, malleable, ductile, sonorous, good conductors; non-metals are brittle, poor conductors.
Chemical Properties	Metals form basic oxides, lose electrons; non-metals form acidic oxides, gain electrons.
Reactivity Series	A list ranking metals from most reactive (e.g., K) to least reactive (e.g., Au).
Displacement Reaction	More reactive metal displaces less reactive metal from its compound.
Occurrence of Metals	Found in free or combined state; extracted through physical and chemical processes.
Metallurgy	Process of extraction of metals from ores (includes concentration, roasting/calcination, reduction, refining).
Corrosion	Gradual destruction of metals (especially iron) by air and moisture.
Alloys	Mixture of metals or metal with non-metal to improve strength, resistance (e.g., brass, stainless steel).

III. Important Questions

(A) Multiple Choice Questions (1 Mark)

1. Which of the following is the most reactive metal?
   a) Gold
   b) Iron
   c) Sodium ✅ (PYQ 2020)
   d) Copper
2. Which gas is evolved when a metal reacts with an acid?
   a) Oxygen
   b) Carbon dioxide
   c) Hydrogen ✅
   d) Nitrogen
3. Which metal is stored under kerosene to prevent reaction with air?
   a) Magnesium
   b) Potassium
   c) Sodium ✅ (PYQ 2019)
   d) Iron
4. The brown coating on iron after long exposure to moist air is called:
   a) Rust ✅
   b) Patina
   c) Oxidation
   d) Scale

(B) Short Answer Questions (2/3 Marks)

1. Why do ionic compounds have high melting points?
2. Give reasons: (a) Gold is used for jewellery, (b) Sodium is kept in kerosene.
3. What is meant by corrosion? Mention two methods to prevent it. (PYQ 2021)
4. Differentiate between metals and non-metals based on any three physical properties.

(C) Long Answer Questions (5 Marks)

1. Explain the process of extraction of metals from ores based on their reactivity.
2. Describe an activity to show that metals react with acids to produce hydrogen gas. Give chemical equations.
3. What is reactivity series? How is it useful in displacement reactions and extraction of metals?
4. Define alloy. Give any two examples with composition and uses. How are alloys better than pure metals? (PYQ 2020)

(D) HOTS (Higher Order Thinking Skills)

1. Why are food cans coated with tin even though zinc is more reactive than tin? Explain.
2. Aluminium is more reactive than iron, yet it resists corrosion. Why?

IV. Key Formulas/Concepts

Concept	Equation/Definition
Reaction with Oxygen	4Na + O₂ → 2Na₂O
S + O₂ → SO₂
Reaction with Water	2K + 2H₂O → 2KOH + H₂↑
Mg + H₂O → MgO + H₂
Reaction with Acids	Zn + 2HCl → ZnCl₂ + H₂↑
Displacement Reaction	CuSO₄ + Zn → ZnSO₄ + Cu
Rusting Reaction	Fe + H₂O + O₂ → Fe₂O₃·xH₂O
Alloy Definition	An alloy is a homogeneous mixture of two or more metals, or a metal and a non-metal.

V. Deleted Portions (CBSE 2025–2026)

 No portions have been deleted from this chapter as per the rationalized NCERT textbooks.

VI. Chapter-Wise Marks Bifurcation (Estimated – CBSE 2025–2026)

Unit/Chapter	Estimated Marks	Type of Questions Typically Asked
Chapter 3: Metals and Non-metals	6–8 Marks	1 Long Answer, 2 Short Answers, 1–2 MCQs

VII. Previous Year Questions (PYQs)

Year	Marks	Question
2021	3	What is corrosion? Mention two methods to prevent it.
2020	1	Which is the most reactive metal among: Au, Fe, Na, Cu? (Na)
2019	1	Name the metal kept under kerosene. (Sodium)
2018	5	Describe the process of extraction of metals from ores based on reactivity.

VIII. Real-World Application Examples

Concept	Real-World Application
Corrosion	Affects iron gates, bridges, pipelines, leading to structural damage.
Alloys	Used in aircrafts (duralumin), electrical wires (alloys of Cu, Al), jewelry (gold alloys).
Displacement Reaction	Used in metal extraction, purification, and thermite welding.
Metallurgy	Essential in steel industries, mining, and material engineering.

IX. Student Tips & Strategies for Success

Time Management

• Allocate 20 minutes daily for Chemistry concepts and reaction writing.
• Use flowcharts to memorize reactivity series and extraction steps.

Exam Preparation

• Focus on equation balancing, series ordering, and uses of metals/alloys.
• Practice diagram-based questions (e.g., corrosion prevention, metallurgy steps).

Stress Management

• Make flashcards for reactions and symbols.
• Practice previous year questions in timed conditions.

X. Career Guidance & Exploration (Class-Specific)

For Classes 9–10

Academic Stream Options

• Science: Chemistry, Material Science, Engineering
• Commerce: Mining and Metallurgical Businesses
• Arts: Environmental Policy, Industrial Regulations

Career Paths

• Metallurgist, Material Scientist, Mining Engineer, Chemist, Safety Engineer

Entrance Exams/Opportunities

• NTSE, Junior Science Olympiad, KVPY (from Class 11), NSO

XI. Important Notes

• Always refer to official sites: ncert.nic.in and cbseacademic.nic.in.
• Understand conceptual connections: e.g., Why do certain metals corrode faster?
• Focus on experiment-based questions (e.g., reactions with water, acids).
• Practice questions involving real-life reasoning for HOTS and application-based problems.