Class 10 Science Metals and Non-Metals: NCERT Solutions for Question 1

Write equations for the reactions of

   (i) iron with steam
   (ii) calcium and potassium with water.

(i) Write the electron-dot structures for sodium, oxygen and magnesium.

(ii) Show the formation of Na₂O and MgO by the transfer of electrons.

(iii) What are the ions present in these compounds?

Samples of four metals A, B, C and D were taken and added to the following solution one by one. The results obtained have been tabulated as follows.

Food cans are coated with tin and not with zinc because

(a) zinc is costlier than tin.
(b) zinc has a higher melting point than tin.
(c) zinc is more reactive than tin.
(d) zinc is less reactive than tin.

You are given a hammer, a battery, a bulb, wires and a switch.

(a) How could you use them to distinguish between samples of metals and non-metals?
(b) Assess the usefulness of these tests in distinguishing between metals and non-metals.

Metallic oxides of zinc, magnesium and copper were heated with the following metals.

In which cases will you find displacement reactions taking place?

Why do ionic compounds have high melting points?

A man went door to door posing as a goldsmith. He promised to bring back the glitter of old and dull gold ornaments. An unsuspecting lady gave a set of gold bangles to him which he dipped in a particular solution. The bangles sparkled like new but their weight was reduced drastically. The lady was upset but after a futile argument the man beat a hasty retreat. Can you play the detective to find out the nature of the solution he had used?

Why is sodium kept immersed in kerosene oil?

Give reasons

(a) Platinum, gold and silver are used to make jewellery.
(b) Sodium, potassium and lithium are stored under oil.
(c) Aluminium is a highly reactive metal, yet it is used to make utensils for cooking.
(d) Carbonate and sulphide ores are usually converted into oxides during the process of extraction.

Did Döbereiner’s triads also exist in the columns of Newlands’ Octaves? Compare and find out.

What is a good source of energy?

Why is diffusion insufficient to meet the oxygen requirements of multi-cellular organisms like humans?

What are trophic levels? Give an example of a food chain and state the different trophic levels in it.

What changes can you make in your habits to become more environment-friendly?

What is the difference between a reflex action and walking?

What is the importance of DNA copying in reproduction?

If a trait A exists in 10% of a population of an asexually reproducing species and a trait B exists in 60% of the same population, which trait is likely to have arisen earlier?

Why should a magnesium ribbon be cleared before burning in air?

Define the principal focus of a concave mirror.

Define the principal focus of a concave mirror.

Compare the functioning of alveoli in the lungs and nephrons in the kidneys with respect to their structure and functioning.

Describe double circulation of blood in human beings. Why is it necessary?

How are the alveoli designed to maximise the exchange of gases?

How would these advantages differ from the advantages of using a long-term perspective in managing our resources?

Compare the above system with the probable systems in hilly/mountainous areas or plains or plateau regions.

What are the changes seen in girls at the time of puberty?

What could be the reasons for adopting contraceptive methods?

Name the sodium compound which is used for softening hard water.

What are the necessary conditions for autotrophic nutrition and what are its by-products?