CBSE · Class 10 · Science · Chapter 3
Metals and Non-metals — Class 10 Science (CBSE) explained
- Board exam 2026-27
- 4 lessons
- 32 scenes
- About 25 min
- Updated
Quick answer
Metals and Non-metals is Chapter 3 of CBSE Class 10 Science. It covers lustre and hardness, oxide behaviour, dilute-acid reaction evidence, acid-specific exceptions, magnesium chloride formation and occurrence and extraction routes. AI Lessons teaches it in 4 narrated lessons (about 25 minutes) with an AI tutor and board-pattern practice.
What you’ll learn
Lesson 1: Physical Properties and Metal Oxides
6 min- Begin with Lustre and Hardness
- Sheets and Wires: Two Different Properties
- Follow Heat Along a Metal Wire
- Electric Current and Sonorous Metals
- Why Physical Properties Alone Are Not Enough
- Compare Metal and Non-metal Oxides
- Metals Combine with Oxygen
- Amphoteric Oxides and Water-soluble Oxides
Lesson 2: Reactions and the Reactivity Series
6 min- Oxygen Reactivity and Protective Oxide Layers
- Cold Water: Violent Reactions and Floating Calcium
- Hot Water, Steam or No Reaction
- Dilute Acids: Bubbles and Temperature
- Important Acid Exceptions
- A More Reactive Metal Displaces a Less Reactive Metal
- Read and Apply the Activity Series
- Reactivity and the Outermost Electron Shell
Lesson 3: Ionic Compounds and Metal Extraction
6 min- Electron Transfer Forms Sodium Chloride
- Magnesium Transfers Two Electrons
- Strong Attraction Explains Ionic Solids
- Electricity Needs Ions That Can Move
- Occurrence and Reactivity Guide Extraction
- Enrichment Removes Gangue
- Heating Routes for Less Reactive Metals
- Roasting, Calcination and Carbon Reduction
Lesson 4: Metallurgy, Corrosion and Alloys
6 min- Aluminium Reduction and the Thermit Reaction
- Highly Reactive Metals Need Electrolytic Reduction
- Electrolytic Refining of Copper
- Corrosion and the Conditions for Rusting
- Protecting Iron from Rust
- Alloying Changes Useful Properties
- Alloy Uses and Ancient Indian Metallurgy
- Recap: Explain, Predict and Practise
Key concepts
- Lustre and hardness
- Metals in their pure state have a shining surface, and this property is called metallic lustre.
- Oxide behaviour
- Most metal oxides are basic, but aluminium oxide and zinc oxide show both acidic and basic behaviour.
- Dilute-acid reaction evidence
- The general pattern is metal reacting with dilute acid to give salt and hydrogen.
- Acid-specific exceptions
- Magnesium and manganese are exceptions: they release hydrogen with very dilute nitric acid. Another information box introduces aqua regia, meaning royal water.
- Magnesium chloride formation
- Compounds formed by transferring electrons from a metal to a non-metal are called ionic compounds, or electrovalent compounds. The animation represents electron transfer, not a practical instruction to react these elements.
- Occurrence and extraction routes
- Minerals from which a metal can be profitably extracted are called ores. Reactivity helps explain how metals occur and how they are extracted.
- Displacement reduction
- The reaction between iron three oxide and aluminium is called the thermit reaction. It produces molten iron and aluminium oxide.
- Electrolytic extraction
- Aluminium is obtained by electrolytic reduction of aluminium oxide.
Exam focus
- Board exam
- CBSE assesses this chapter in the 2026-27 year-end board examination.
- Syllabus
- Metals and Non-metals: Properties of metals and non-metals; Reactivity series; Formation and properties of ionic compounds; Basic metallurgical processes; Corrosion and its prevention.
- Paper pattern
- 80 marks, 3 hours, 39 questions in three sections (A Biology, B Chemistry, C Physics); internal assessment 20. Units: I Chemical Substances 25, II World of Living 25, III Natural Phenomena 12, IV Effects of Current 13, V Natural Resources 5.
- Question style
- About 50% of board questions are competency-focused: case-based, source-based, integrated, data interpretation, situational and application-oriented.
- Practice in the app
- 105 board-pattern questions with marking schemes: 31 multiple choice (1 mark), 15 assertion–reason (1 mark), 22 very short answer (2 marks), 19 short answer (3 marks), 5 long answer (5 marks) and 13 case-based (4 marks).
Sample questions with marking points
Board-pattern questions from the AI Lessons practice set for this chapter. The marking points show what an examiner looks for; full model answers are in the app.
Very short answer2 marks
A naturally occurring compound in the earth's crust contains a metal, but the metal cannot be profitably extracted from it. Classify the compound as a mineral, an ore, or both. Give a reason.
Marking points
- Classifies it as a mineral because it is a naturally occurring compound in the earth's crust.1
- States that it is not an ore because profitable extraction of the metal is not possible.1
Short answer3 marks
A teacher heats an aluminium wire near its clamp. A pin attached with wax at the free end falls after some time, but the wire retains its shape. Explain the sequence of events and why the wire need not melt.
Marking points
- Heat is conducted through the aluminium wire from the heated end to the free end.1
- The wax melts, releasing the pin.1
- Aluminium has a high melting point, so the wire can remain solid while the wax melts.1
Frequently asked questions
What does Metals and Non-metals cover in Class 10 Science?
It covers lustre and hardness, oxide behaviour, dilute-acid reaction evidence, acid-specific exceptions, magnesium chloride formation and occurrence and extraction routes. AI Lessons teaches it in 4 lessons: Physical Properties and Metal Oxides, Reactions and the Reactivity Series, Ionic Compounds and Metal Extraction and Metallurgy, Corrosion and Alloys.
Is Metals and Non-metals in the CBSE Class 10 board exam?
Yes. CBSE assesses Metals and Non-metals in the 2026-27 year-end board examination.
What is metallic lustre?
Metals in their pure state have a shining surface, and this property is called metallic lustre.
Which group contains only metals that react with steam but do not react with cold or hot water?
Aluminium, iron and zinc. Aluminium, iron and zinc react with steam to form metal oxides and hydrogen.
What are minerals?
Naturally occurring elements or compounds in the crust are called minerals. Minerals from which a metal can be profitably extracted are called ores.
What are ores?
Minerals from which a metal can be profitably extracted are called ores. Reactivity helps explain how metals occur and how they are extracted.
How does AI Lessons teach Metals and Non-metals?
As 4 narrated, animated lessons (32 scenes, about 25 minutes in all), with an AI tutor that knows the step you are on and board-pattern practice with marking schemes. The full lessons open after sign-in on an AI Lessons account.
Watch the full lesson
Metals and Non-metals, as a narrated, animated lesson
4 lessons · 32 animated scenes · about 25 minutes, with an AI tutor that knows the step you are on and 105 board-pattern questions with marking schemes.
Lessons open after sign-in. A parent or guardian holds the account and adds each child.