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CHAPTER 3

Metals and Non-metals

Compare physical and chemical properties, reactivity, extraction, corrosion and ionic compounds.

Topics in this chapter

  1. Physical properties
  2. Reaction with oxygen, water and acids
  3. Reactivity series
  4. Ionic compounds
  5. Occurrence and extraction of metals
  6. Refining
  7. Corrosion and prevention
  8. Alloys

Key learning points

✓ Metals generally form positive ions by losing electrons.

✓ Non-metals generally gain or share electrons.

✓ The reactivity series helps predict displacement reactions.

✓ Highly reactive metals are extracted by electrolysis; moderately reactive metals often by reduction.

Important equations

2Na + 2H₂O → 2NaOH + H₂Fe + CuSO₄ → FeSO₄ + Cu2ZnS + 3O₂ → 2ZnO + 2SO₂ZnO + C → Zn + CO

Multiple-choice questions

1. Which metal is stored in kerosene?
  1. Copper
  2. Iron
  3. Sodium
  4. Silver

Answer: C — Sodium

2. Which metal can displace copper from copper sulphate solution?
  1. Silver
  2. Gold
  3. Iron
  4. Platinum

Answer: C — Iron

3. Ionic compounds generally have:
  1. Low melting points
  2. High melting points
  3. No ions
  4. Very low density

Answer: B — High melting points

Very short-answer questions

  1. Why is sodium kept in kerosene?
  2. What is an alloy?
  3. Name the process used to coat iron with zinc.

Short-answer questions

  1. Explain the formation of magnesium chloride by electron transfer.
  2. Differentiate between roasting and calcination.

Long-answer question

  1. Explain the main steps involved in extraction of metals according to their position in the reactivity series.