Class 10 Science Chapter 3, Metals and Non-metals, contrasts the physical and chemical properties of metals and non-metals, arranges metals in the reactivity series, explains ionic bonding via electron dot structures, and traces metallurgy from ore concentration to electrolytic refining and corrosion prevention.
What Class 10 Science Chapter 3 Covers
3.1 & 3.2 Physical and Chemical Properties of Metals notes exceptions to physical properties (liquid mercury, low-melting gallium and caesium, lustrous iodine, diamond vs graphite, soft alkali metals Li, Na, K), then covers reactions of metals with air (amphoteric oxides $\text{Al}_2\text{O}_3$ and $\text{ZnO}$, anodising aluminium), water (cold water with Na/K, hot water with Mg, steam with Al/Fe/Zn), dilute acids (and why $\text{HNO}_3$ is a strong oxidising agent except with very dilute Mg and Mn), and metal salt solutions.
3.3 How Do Metals and Non-metals React? draws electron dot structures for $\text{NaCl}$ and $\text{MgCl}_2$, and explains why ionic compounds are hard crystalline solids with high melting and boiling points, soluble in water, and conduct electricity only in molten state or aqueous solution.
3.4 & 3.5 Occurrence of Metals and Corrosion divides extraction by reactivity: low-reactivity ores ($\text{HgS}$ cinnabar, $\text{Cu}_2\text{S}$) by roasting alone; middle-reactivity ores ($\text{ZnS}$, $\text{ZnCO}_3$) by roasting or calcination followed by reduction with carbon or displacement with Al (thermit reaction $\text{Fe}_2\text{O}_3 + 2\text{Al} \rightarrow 2\text{Fe} + \text{Al}_2\text{O}_3 + \text{heat}$ for joining railway tracks); high-reactivity metals (Na, Mg, Ca, Al) by electrolysis of molten chlorides/oxides; and electrolytic refining of copper, plus galvanisation and alloying (brass, bronze, solder, stainless steel, amalgam).
Exercises in Chapter 3
- In-text Questions cover why sodium is kept immersed in kerosene oil, electron dot structures of $\text{Na}$, $\text{O}$ and $\text{Mg}$, and distinguishing roasting from calcination.
- Chapter Exercises (16 Questions) test amphoteric oxides, the reactivity series, ionic compound conductivity, and how tarnished copper vessels are cleaned with lemon or tamarind juice.
Read Class 10 Science Chapter 3 Online
More Chapters
- Previous: Chapter 2: Acids, Bases and Salts
- Next: Chapter 4: Carbon and its Compounds
- Hindi medium: Class 10 Science Chapter 3 PDF in Hindi (Vigyan)
- All Science chapters and the other Class 10 books: Class 10 NCERT books 2026-27
- All Class 1 to 12 NCERT Textbooks: NCERT Books PDF (Class 1–12)
FAQ
What are amphoteric oxides? Give two examples.
Metal oxides that react with both acids and bases to produce salts and water are called amphoteric oxides. Aluminium oxide ($\text{Al}_2\text{O}_3$) and zinc oxide ($\text{ZnO}$) are the two classic examples.
Why is sodium kept immersed in kerosene oil?
Sodium is a highly reactive metal that reacts vigorously and exothermically with oxygen and moisture in the air, catching fire if left exposed. Kerosene cuts off contact with air and moisture.