This chapter explains how materials around us can be grouped as metals and non-metals based on their properties and behaviour. It shows how metals like iron, copper, and aluminium are commonly used because they are strong, lustrous, and useful in daily life. The chapter also discusses special properties such as malleability, ductility, sonority, and conductivity. It explains how metals react with air and water, leading to rusting and corrosion, and how this damage can be prevented. The chapter further highlights that non-metals are equally important, as they play a vital role in life processes, agriculture, and health.
Key Points
Materials are classified into metals and non-metals based on their properties.
Metals are usually lustrous, hard, and strong.
Malleability is the property by which metals can be beaten into thin sheets.
Ductility allows metals to be drawn into wires.
Sonority is the property that makes metals produce a ringing sound.
Metals are good conductors of heat and electricity.
Non-metals are generally dull, brittle, and poor conductors.
Rusting occurs when iron reacts with moist air (air + water).
Corrosion is the gradual damage of metals due to air and water.
Rusting can be prevented by painting, oiling, greasing, and galvanisation.
Metals form basic oxides, while non-metals form acidic oxides.
Non-metals like oxygen, nitrogen, carbon, chlorine, and iodine are essential for life.
👉 👉Both metals and non-metals are essential for life and development. By understanding their properties and using them wisely and responsibly, we can reduce waste, protect resources, and support sustainable living.