The mobile phone in your hand, the school bench you sit on, the pen you use to write, the oxygen you breathe, and even plastic materials are made using metals and non-metals in some form. These substances are a major part of our daily life. Do you clearly understand their properties and differences?
In this article, you will get Metals and Non-Metals Class 10 Notes + Important Questions (2026) in simple and easy English.
What are Metals?
Metals are materials that are usually strong, have a shiny surface, and can easily transfer heat and electricity.
Properties of Metals
• Metals are shiny (lustrous)
• Good conductors of heat and electricity
• Can be beaten into sheets (malleable)
• Can be drawn into wires (ductile)
• Produce sound when struck (sonorous)
Examples of Metals
• Iron → Used in gates and bridges
• Copper → Used in electric wires
• Aluminium → Used in foils and utensils
What are Non-Metals?
Non-metals are substances that show opposite properties of metals.
Properties of Non-Metals
• Dull in appearance (not shiny)
• Poor conductors of electricity
• Brittle (break easily)
• Not malleable and not ductile
Examples of Non-Metals
• Oxygen → Used for breathing
• Carbon → Found in coal and fuels
• Sulphur → Used in medicines
Difference (Metals and Non-Metals)
Metal Non-Metals Hard and strong Soft ya brittle
High melting point Low melting point
Conduct electricity Electricity conduct nahi karte
Chemical Reactions of Metals
1. Reaction with Oxygen
Metal + Oxygen → Metal Oxide
Example:
Magnesium + Oxygen → Magnesium Oxide
Metal oxides are generally basic in nature.
2. Reaction with Water
Some metals react with water and release hydrogen gas.
Example:
Sodium + Water → Sodium Hydroxide + Hydrogen
3. Reaction with Acids
Metal + Acid → Salt + Hydrogen
Example:
Zinc + HCl → Zinc Chloride + Hydrogen
Chemical Reactions of Non-Metals
1. Reaction with Oxygen
Non-metal + Oxygen → Non-metal Oxide
These oxides are acidic in nature.
Example:
Carbon + Oxygen → Carbon Dioxide
2. Reaction with Metals
Non-metal + Metal → Ionic Compound
Example:
Sodium + Chlorine → Sodium Chloride
Ionic Compounds
When a metal combines with a non-metal, they form a compound called an ionic compound.
Properties of Ionic Compounds
• High melting point
• Do not allow electricity to pass through in solid state.
•Ionic compounds conduct electricity when molten or dissolved in water because ions become ionic can move and carry electric charge.
Example
• NaCl (Common Salt)
Uses of Metals and Non-Metals
Uses of Metals
• Iron → Construction work
• Copper → Electrical wiring
• Gold → Jewellery
Uses of Non-Metals
• Oxygen → Respiration
• Nitrogen → Fertilizers
• Chlorine → Water purification
Short Answer Questions
• Write any three properties of metals.
• Why are non-metals brittle?
• What are ionic compounds?
• Give an example of metal + acid reaction.
• Why is graphite an exception?
Long Answer Questions
• How do metals and non-metals differ in appearance?
• Explain chemical properties of metals with examples.
• Write the properties of ionic compounds.
Case-Based Question
A student uses a copper wire and aluminium foil.
• Which is a better conductor?
• Why are metals used in wiring?
Quick Revision Notes
• Metals → Conductors, malleable, ductile
• Non-metals → Poor conductors, brittle
• Metal + Oxygen → Basic oxide
• Non-metal + Oxygen → Acidic oxide
• Ionic compounds → High melting point
Conclusion
Metals and Non-Metals is not just a theoretical chapter—it is closely connected to your daily life.
If you study and understand it properly, you can easily score 90%+ in exams.