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Chapter 3 of 5
Syllabus

Metals and Non-metals

Punjab Board · Class 10 · Science

Complete topic list for Metals and Non-metals in Punjab Board Class 10 Science. Key concepts, sub-topics, and what to focus on for board exams.

45 questions30 flashcards5 concepts

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A comparative diagram illustrating key physical properties of metals such as metallic lustre, hardness, malleability, ductility, and conductivity (heat and electricity). Show examples of metals exhibi
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4 Topics · Punjab Board Class 10 Science

Topics in Metals and Non-metals

1

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.
2

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).
3

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.
4

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.

Key Concepts

Metals have a shinyMalleability is the ability to beMetals are excellent conductors of heatMetals that produce a clearDifferent metals react with oxygen

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the important topics in Metals and Non-metals for Punjab Board Class 10 Science?
Key topics in Metals and Non-metals include Mind map showing the overall structure of the chapter and main topics, Flowchart showing how metal lustre is revealed by cleaning, Flowchart showing malleability and ductility properties and their applications. These are the concepts Punjab Board Class 10 examiners draw on most — study them first, then practise related questions.
How to score full marks in Metals and Non-metals — Punjab Board Class 10 Science?
Understand the core concepts first, then work through the 45 practice questions available for this chapter. Revise formulas and definitions regularly, and use flashcards for quick recall before the exam.

Sources & Official References

Content is aligned to the official syllabus. Refer to the board website for the latest curriculum.

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