Non-metals: Properties MCQs Quiz | Class 10
Take this Class X Science (Code 086) quiz designed for Unit I: Chemical Substances – Nature and Behaviour. The questions focus on the topic Non-metals: Properties, covering physical characteristics, chemical reactivity, and exceptions as per the syllabus. Test your understanding, view your score, and download the solution PDF for revision.
Overview of Non-metals
Non-metals are elements that generally lack metallic properties. They are located on the right side of the Periodic Table (with the exception of Hydrogen). They play a crucial role in biological systems and industrial applications.
Physical Properties
- State: Non-metals can exist as solids, liquids, or gases at room temperature. Bromine is the only liquid non-metal.
- Lustre: They are generally dull and non-lustrous. Iodine and Diamond are exceptions as they are lustrous.
- Conductivity: They are poor conductors of heat and electricity. Graphite (an allotrope of Carbon) is an exception and is a good conductor of electricity.
- Hardness: Solid non-metals are generally soft and brittle. Diamond is an exception, being the hardest natural substance known.
- Density and Melting Points: Usually have low densities and low melting/boiling points compared to metals (exceptions exist like Boron and Diamond).
Chemical Properties
- Reaction with Oxygen: Non-metals react with oxygen to form oxides that are either acidic or neutral.
Example: C + O2 -> CO2 (Acidic oxide). - Reaction with Water: Non-metals generally do not react with water or steam to evolve hydrogen gas.
- Reaction with Acids: Non-metals do not displace hydrogen from dilute acids because they are electron acceptors, not donors.
- Reaction with Chlorine: They react with chlorine to form covalent chlorides which are non-electrolytes.
Example: H2 + Cl2 -> 2HCl. - Electronegativity: Non-metals have a tendency to gain electrons to form negative ions (anions).
Summary of Exceptions
| Property | General Rule | Exception |
|---|---|---|
| Lustre | Dull | Iodine (Lustrous) |
| Hardness | Soft/Brittle | Diamond (Very Hard) |
| Electricity | Insulator | Graphite (Conductor) |
Extra Practice Questions
- Which non-metal is essential for combustion? (Answer: Oxygen)
- Name a non-metal kept under water to prevent it from catching fire in air. (Answer: Phosphorus)
- What is the nature of the oxide formed by Sulphur? (Answer: Acidic)
- Which non-metal is used in the vulcanization of rubber? (Answer: Sulphur)
- Name the allotrope of Carbon used as a lubricant. (Answer: Graphite)
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