Metals and Non-metals — The Complete Class 10 Guide
A clear Class 10 guide to metals and non-metals covering physical and chemical properties, the reactivity series, displacement, ionic bonding, extraction of metals and corrosion.
By the PadhoDost Team · 📖 7 min read · Updated 4 August 2026
Part of Class 10 (CBSE) prep🧠 Givers and Takers
Think of a group project. Some people happily give away their ideas to whoever needs them — that is a metal, always ready to give away electrons. Others prefer to hold on and take a little extra — that is a non-metal, which pulls electrons in. When a giver meets a taker, electrons change hands and a strong bond forms. Almost all of the chemistry of metals and non-metals comes from this simple habit of giving versus taking electrons.
Metals vs Non-metals: Spot the Difference
| Property | Metals | Non-metals |
|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Shiny (lustrous) | Dull (exception: iodine is shiny) |
| State at room temp | Solid (exception: mercury is liquid) | Solid, liquid or gas |
| Malleable & ductile | Yes | No — usually brittle |
| Conductivity | Good conductors of heat/electricity | Poor (exception: graphite conducts) |
| Sonorous (ring when struck) | Yes | No |
Chemically, metals react with oxygen to form basic oxides (some, like Al2O3 and ZnO, are amphoteric — they react with both acids and bases). Reactive metals like sodium and potassium react vigorously even with cold water, releasing hydrogen; less reactive ones react slowly or not at all. Metals above hydrogen in reactivity react with dilute acids to give a salt and hydrogen gas, while copper, silver and gold do not. Non-metals generally form acidic oxides (e.g. CO2, SO2).
The Reactivity Series — The Master Key
This single list explains a lot. A more reactive metal displaces a less reactive metal from its salt solution — for example iron displaces copper: Fe + CuSO4 -> FeSO4 + Cu. Metals placed above hydrogen can push hydrogen out of dilute acids; those below (Cu, Ag, Au) cannot. The most reactive metals at the top are the hardest to extract from their ores, while the least reactive at the bottom (like gold) are often found free in nature.
Bonding, Extraction & Rusting
When a metal meets a non-metal, electrons transfer: the metal loses electrons to form a positive ion and the non-metal gains them to form a negative ion, giving an ionic (electrovalent) bond, as in Na+ Cl-. Ionic compounds have high melting and boiling points, and conduct electricity when molten or dissolved in water because their ions become free to move. Extraction (metallurgy) depends on reactivity: ores of moderately reactive metals are roasted or calcined to oxides and then reduced with carbon, while highly reactive metals (Na, K, Ca, Mg, Al) are obtained by electrolytic reduction. Finally, corrosion eats away metals — iron rusts (hydrated iron(III) oxide) only when both air and moisture are present. Rusting is prevented by painting, oiling/greasing, galvanising (a zinc coat), chrome plating, or alloying (e.g. stainless steel).
📝 Worked Example: Displacement Reaction
Question: An iron nail is dipped in blue copper sulphate solution. What happens?
Check the reactivity series: iron (Fe) lies above copper (Cu).
So iron is more reactive and displaces copper from the solution.
Reaction: Fe + CuSO4 -> FeSO4 + Cu.
Observation: the blue colour fades to pale green, and a brownish copper layer coats the nail.
Conclusion: a more reactive metal displaces a less reactive metal from its salt solution.
Remember These
- ✓Metals are lustrous, malleable, ductile, sonorous and good conductors; non-metals are mostly the opposite.
- ✓Key exceptions: mercury is a liquid metal; graphite (a non-metal) conducts electricity; iodine is lustrous.
- ✓Reactivity series: K > Na > Ca > Mg > Al > Zn > Fe > Pb > H > Cu > Ag > Au.
- ✓A more reactive metal displaces a less reactive one from its salt solution.
- ✓Ionic bonds form by electron transfer between metals and non-metals; ionic compounds conduct when molten or dissolved.
- ✓Rusting of iron needs both air and moisture; prevent it by galvanising, painting, oiling or alloying.
⚡ Quick check
Which metal can displace copper from copper sulphate solution?
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