Metals and Non-metals
Punjab Board · Class 10 · Science
Quick revision notes for Metals and Non-metals — Punjab Board Class 10 Science. Key concepts, formulas, and definitions for last-minute revision.
Interactive on Super Tutor
Studying Metals and Non-metals? Get the full interactive chapter.
Quizzes, flashcards, AI doubt-solver and a step-by-step study plan — built for revision notes and more.
1,000+ Class 10 students started this chapter today

Learn better with visuals Super Tutor has hundreds of illustrations like this across every chapter — all free to try.
Get startedKey Topics to Revise
Physical Properties of Metals and Non-metals
- Metals are generally solid at room temperature. Exception: Mercury (Hg) is a liquid metal at room temperature.
- Metals have a shiny appearance called metallic lustre. Non-metals generally lack lustre. Exception: Iodine is a lustrous non-metal.
- Metals are malleable (can be beaten into thin sheets). Gold and silver are the most malleable metals.
Chemical Properties of Metals – Reactions with Oxygen, Water, and Acids
- Metal + Oxygen → Metal Oxide (basic in nature). Example: 2Cu + O₂ → 2CuO (black copper oxide).
- Aluminium forms aluminium oxide: 4Al + 3O₂ → 2Al₂O₃.
- Amphoteric oxides react with BOTH acids and bases. Examples: Aluminium oxide (Al₂O₃) and Zinc oxide (ZnO).
Reactivity Series and Displacement Reactions
- The reactivity series arranges metals in DECREASING order of reactivity: K > Na > Ca > Mg > Al > Zn > Fe > Pb > [H] > Cu > Hg > Ag > Au.
- Hydrogen is placed in the reactivity series to compare metal reactivity — metals above H displace it from dilute acids.
- Metals below H in the series (Cu, Hg, Ag, Au) do NOT react with dilute acids to produce H₂.
Ionic Compounds – Formation and Properties
- Metals tend to LOSE electrons to achieve a stable electronic configuration (like noble gases) — they form positive ions (cations).
- Non-metals tend to GAIN electrons — they form negative ions (anions).
- When a metal transfers electrons to a non-metal, ionic bonds are formed. The resulting compound is called an ionic compound or electrovalent compound.
Get complete notes with diagrams and examples
Full NotesKey Concepts
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the important topics in Metals and Non-metals for Punjab Board Class 10 Science?
How to score full marks in Metals and Non-metals — Punjab Board Class 10 Science?
Sources & Official References
Content is aligned to the official syllabus. Refer to the board website for the latest curriculum.
More resources for Metals and Non-metals
Practice Quiz
Test yourself with a quick quiz
Important Questions
Practice with board exam-style questions
Formula Sheet
All formulas in one place
Chapter Summary
Understand the chapter at a glance
Concept Maps
See how topics connect visually
Study Plan
Step-by-step plan to ace this chapter
Flashcards
Quick-fire cards for active recall
Syllabus
What topics to cover
NCERT Solutions
Every textbook question solved step by step
For serious students
Get the full Metals and Non-metals chapter — for free.
Quizzes, flashcards, AI doubt-solver and a step-by-step study plan for Punjab Board Class 10 Science.