Introduction
Metals and non-metals are important materials found in nature. They are used in our daily lives because of their unique physical and chemical properties. According to NCERT Science, different metals and non-metals are used for different purposes depending on characteristics such as strength, conductivity, malleability, ductility, hardness, and chemical reactivity.
What Are Metals?
Metals are elements that are generally hard, lustrous, malleable, ductile, and good conductors of heat and electricity.
Examples of Metals
- Iron (Fe)
- Copper (Cu)
- Aluminium (Al)
- Gold (Au)
- Silver (Ag)
- Zinc (Zn)
What Are Non-Metals?
Non-metals are elements that are generally soft, brittle, poor conductors of heat and electricity, and do not possess metallic luster.
Examples of Non-Metals
- Oxygen (O)
- Nitrogen (N)
- Carbon (C)
- Sulphur (S)
- Phosphorus (P)
- Chlorine (Cl)
Uses of Metals
Metals are widely used because they are strong, durable, malleable, ductile, and good conductors.
1. Electrical Wiring
Why Used?
- Good conductors of electricity.
Metals Used
- Copper
- Aluminium
Examples
- Electric wires
- Power transmission cables
2. Making Cooking Utensils
Why Used?
- Good conductors of heat.
- High melting points.
Metals Used
- Aluminium
- Stainless Steel
- Copper
Examples
- Pots
- Pans
- Pressure cookers
3. Construction Work
Why Used?
- Strong and durable.
Metals Used
- Iron
- Steel
- Aluminium
Examples
- Buildings
- Bridges
- Railway tracks
4. Transportation Industry
Why Used?
- Strong and resistant to wear.
Metals Used
- Iron
- Steel
- Aluminium
Examples
- Cars
- Buses
- Trains
- Ships
- Aeroplanes
5. Making Jewellery
Why Used?
- Lustrous and attractive appearance.
- Easily shaped into ornaments.
Metals Used
- Gold
- Silver
- Platinum
Examples
- Rings
- Necklaces
- Bracelets
6. Machinery and Tools
Why Used?
- Hard and strong.
Metals Used
- Iron
- Steel
Examples
- Hammers
- Spanners
- Industrial machines
7. Packaging Materials
Why Used?
- Lightweight and corrosion-resistant.
Metals Used
- Aluminium
Examples
- Foil wraps
- Beverage cans
Uses of Non-Metals
Non-metals have special properties that make them useful in many biological, industrial, and agricultural applications.
1. Oxygen for Respiration
Importance
- Essential for breathing.
- Supports life processes.
Example
- Human respiration
- Animal respiration
2. Nitrogen in Fertilizers
Importance
- Helps plant growth.
Examples
- Urea
- Ammonium fertilizers
3. Chlorine for Water Purification
Importance
- Kills harmful microorganisms.
Examples
- Drinking water treatment
- Swimming pools
4. Carbon as Fuel
Importance
- Produces energy when burned.
Examples
- Coal
- Charcoal
- Coke
5. Sulphur in Chemical Industry
Importance
- Used to manufacture chemicals.
Examples
- Sulphuric acid production
- Fertilizers
6. Phosphorus in Matchsticks
Importance
- Easily ignites.
Examples
- Safety matches
- Fireworks (industrial use)
7. Graphite in Electrodes
Importance
- Conducts electricity.
Examples
- Batteries
- Electrodes
Comparison of Uses of Metals and Non-Metals
| Property | Metals | Non-Metals |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical Conductivity | High | Low |
| Heat Conductivity | High | Low |
| Strength | Strong | Usually weaker |
| Main Uses | Construction, machinery, wiring | Fertilizers, respiration, water treatment |
| Examples | Iron, Copper, Aluminium | Oxygen, Nitrogen, Sulphur |
Key Points to Remember
- Metals are generally strong, malleable, ductile, and good conductors.
- Copper and aluminium are widely used in electrical wiring.
- Iron and steel are used in construction and transportation.
- Gold and silver are used in jewellery.
- Oxygen is essential for respiration.
- Nitrogen is used in fertilizers.
- Chlorine is used for water purification.
- Carbon is an important fuel.
- Sulphur is used in the manufacture of sulphuric acid.
- Non-metals play a vital role in agriculture, health, and industry.
Practice Questions
Short Answer Questions
1. Why is copper used in electrical wires?
Answer: Copper is a good conductor of electricity and is ductile.
2. Why is aluminium used for making utensils?
Answer: Aluminium conducts heat well and is lightweight.
3. Name two non-metals essential for life.
Answer: Oxygen and Nitrogen.
4. Why is chlorine added to drinking water?
Answer: Chlorine kills harmful germs and purifies water.
5. Name one non-metal used in matchsticks.
Answer: Phosphorus.
Fill in the Blanks
- Copper is used for making __________ wires.
Answer: electrical - Gold is commonly used in __________.
Answer: jewellery - Oxygen is necessary for __________.
Answer: respiration - Chlorine is used for __________ purification.
Answer: water - Nitrogen is used in __________.
Answer: fertilizers
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. Which metal is commonly used in electrical wiring?
A. Sulphur
B. Oxygen
C. Copper
D. Carbon
Answer: C. Copper
2. Which metal is used for making jewellery?
A. Iron
B. Gold
C. Zinc
D. Aluminium
Answer: B. Gold
3. Which non-metal is essential for breathing?
A. Chlorine
B. Sulphur
C. Oxygen
D. Nitrogen
Answer: C. Oxygen
4. Which metal is widely used in construction?
A. Iron
B. Sulphur
C. Carbon
D. Chlorine
Answer: A. Iron
5. Nitrogen is mainly used in:
A. Paints
B. Fertilizers
C. Jewellery
D. Wires
Answer: B. Fertilizers
6. Chlorine is used for:
A. Construction
B. Water purification
C. Wiring
D. Jewellery
Answer: B. Water purification
7. Which non-metal is used as a fuel?
A. Carbon
B. Gold
C. Copper
D. Iron
Answer: A. Carbon
8. Which metal is lightweight and used in aircraft?
A. Aluminium
B. Sulphur
C. Carbon
D. Phosphorus
Answer: A. Aluminium
9. Graphite is a form of:
A. Iron
B. Carbon
C. Gold
D. Zinc
Answer: B. Carbon
10. Which property makes metals useful for making wires?
A. Brittleness
B. Ductility
C. Softness
D. Transparency
Answer: B. Ductility
Conclusion
Metals and non-metals are indispensable resources that support modern life. Metals are mainly used in construction, transportation, machinery, electrical appliances, and jewellery because of their strength and conductivity. Non-metals are essential for respiration, agriculture, water purification, fuel production, and various industrial processes. Understanding their properties helps explain their numerous applications in everyday life and industry.
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