Metals: Properties MCQs Quiz | Class 10
Class X Science (Code 086), Unit I: Chemical Substances – Nature and Behaviour. This quiz covers Metals: Properties, focusing on physical characteristics and chemical reactivity according to the syllabus. Test your knowledge, submit to see your score, and download the answer key PDF.
Overview of Metals
Metals are elements that conduct heat and electricity and are malleable and ductile. They are generally electropositive in nature, meaning they tend to lose electrons to form positive ions (cations). In the periodic table, metals are found on the left-hand side.
Physical Properties
- State: Most metals are solids at room temperature. Mercury is the only metal that exists as a liquid at room temperature.
- Lustre: Metals have a shining surface in their pure state.
- Hardness: Generally hard, though alkali metals like Lithium, Sodium, and Potassium are soft enough to be cut with a knife.
- Malleability: Metals can be beaten into thin sheets. Gold and Silver are the most malleable.
- Ductility: Metals can be drawn into thin wires. Gold is the most ductile metal.
- Conductivity: Good conductors of heat (Silver and Copper are best; Lead and Mercury are poor) and electricity.
- Sonorous: They produce a ringing sound when struck.
Chemical Reactivity
The chemical reactivity of metals depends on their position in the Reactivity Series.
- Reaction with Oxygen: Metals burn in oxygen to form metal oxides.
Metal + Oxygen -> Metal Oxide
Some oxides like Aluminium oxide and Zinc oxide are amphoteric (react with both acids and bases). - Reaction with Water:
– Potassium and Sodium react violently with cold water.
– Calcium reacts less violently and floats.
– Magnesium reacts with hot water.
– Aluminium, Iron, and Zinc react only with steam.
– Lead, Copper, Silver, and Gold do not react with water. - Reaction with Acids: Metals above Hydrogen in the reactivity series displace Hydrogen from dilute acids to form salt and Hydrogen gas.
- Displacement Reactions: A more reactive metal can displace a less reactive metal from its salt solution.
Comparison Table
| Property | Metals | Non-Metals |
|---|---|---|
| Lustre | Lustrous | Non-lustrous (except Iodine) |
| Hardness | Generally Hard | Generally Soft (except Diamond) |
| Oxides | Basic or Amphoteric | Acidic or Neutral |
Quick Revision Notes
- Aqua Regia: A mixture of concentrated Hydrochloric acid and concentrated Nitric acid in the ratio 3:1. It can dissolve Gold.
- Reactivity Series: K > Na > Ca > Mg > Al > Zn > Fe > Pb > H > Cu > Hg > Ag > Au.
- Protection: Metals like Aluminium form a thin oxide layer that prevents further corrosion (anodising).
Extra Practice Questions
- Why is Sodium kept immersed in kerosene oil?
- Write the chemical equation for the reaction of Iron with steam.
- Name a non-metal that is lustrous.
- What happens when Zinc granules are added to Copper Sulphate solution?
- Define amphoteric oxides with two examples.
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