TNPSC Chemistry – Metals and Non-Metals Quiz 1

Concept Booster – Metals and Non-Metals

Understanding metals and non-metals is a core part of TNPSC General Science. These Metals and Non-Metals TNPSC Questions are based on properties, reactions, uses, and exceptions that are frequently asked in exams. Mastering these concepts will help you answer both direct and application-based questions confidently.

1. Classification of Elements

Elements are broadly classified into:

• Metals
• Non-metals

👉 This classification is based on their physical and chemical properties.

2. Metals – Key Properties

Metals generally show the following properties:

• Conductivity → Metals conduct heat and electricity
• Malleability → Can be beaten into thin sheets
• Ductility → Can be drawn into wires
• Lustre → Shiny appearance
• Hardness → Usually hard

👉 Examples: Iron, Copper, Aluminium

3. Non-Metals – Key Properties

Non-metals have opposite properties:

• Poor conductors of heat and electricity
• Not malleable or ductile
• Brittle in nature
• Dull appearance

👉 Examples: Oxygen, Sulphur, Carbon

4. Important Physical Properties

Property	Metals	Non-Metals
Conductivity	High	Low
Malleability	Yes	No
Ductility	Yes	No
Appearance	Shiny	Dull

5. Special Cases

• Mercury (Hg) → Only liquid metal at room temperature
• Bromine (Br) → Liquid non-metal

👉 Very important TNPSC question

6. Chemical Reactions

👉 With Oxygen

• Metals + Oxygen → Metal Oxide
• Non-metals + Oxygen → Non-metal Oxide

👉 With Water

• Metals + Water → Metal Hydroxide + Hydrogen gas

👉 With Acids

• Metals + Acids → Salt + Hydrogen gas

👉 Example:
Iron + Oxygen → Iron Oxide (Rust)

7. Uses of Metals and Non-Metals

• Copper → Electrical wiring
• Aluminium → Cooking utensils
• Oxygen → Respiration
• Chlorine → Water purification

👉 These are direct MCQs in TNPSC

8. Important Facts

• Most abundant metal → Aluminium
• Hardest natural metal → Tungsten
• Rusting occurs in → Presence of air and moisture

9. Rusting

Rusting is the process where iron reacts with oxygen and moisture.

👉 Conditions required:

• Oxygen (air)
• Water (moisture)

👉 Result: Iron → Iron oxide (rust)

10. Key Differences

Metals	Non-Metals
Conduct electricity	Do not conduct
Malleable	Brittle
Ductile	Non-ductile
Form positive ions	Form negative ions

Easy Memory Tricks

👉 Metals = CMD

• Conductor
• Malleable
• Ductile

👉 Non-Metals = BPD

• Brittle
• Poor conductor
• Dull

👉 Liquid Elements Trick
“MB” → Mercury (metal), Bromine (non-metal)

👉 Rusting Trick
“Air + Water = Rust”

Real-Life Examples of Metals and Non-Metals

Metals in Daily Life

• 🔌 Copper → Used in electrical wires because it is a good conductor of electricity
• 🍳 Aluminium → Used in cooking utensils due to good heat conductivity
• 🏗️ Iron → Used in construction (buildings, bridges) because it is strong
• 🚗 Steel → Used in vehicles and machinery

Non-Metals in Daily Life

• 🌬️ Oxygen → Essential for breathing
• 🧪 Chlorine → Used in water purification
• ✏️ Carbon (Graphite) → Used in pencils
• 🧯 Nitrogen → Used in fertilizers

Application-Based Examples

• ⚡ Electric wires are made of copper (metal) → because metals conduct electricity
• 🪵 Non-metals like wood/plastic are used as handles → because they are poor conductors
• 🛢️ Rusting of iron objects (like gates) → occurs due to air and moisture

Quick Understanding

👉 Metals → Used where strength & conductivity needed
👉 Non-metals → Used where insulation & chemical use needed

Final Revision Tips

• Remember Malleability = sheets
• Remember Ductility = wires
• Focus on uses (direct questions)
• Learn exceptions (Mercury, Bromine)
• Revise reactions (very frequently asked)

Practice more Metals and Non-Metals TNPSC Questions to strengthen your General Science concepts and improve your TNPSC exam performance.

Reference

👉 NCERT Science Class 10 – Metals and Non-metals