Metals and Non Metals (Part II)

Metals readily lose electrons to form positive ions (cations) because they have few valence electrons and low ionization energies. This electron loss is the defining characteristic of metallic behavior in chemical reactions. Oxides, ores, and alloys are compounds or mixtures, not the elements themselves.

Alkali metals, such as Lithium (Li) and Sodium (Na), react with water to form strong basic hydroxides known as alkalies.

Metallurgy is the specific branch of science and technology concerned with the properties of metals and their production and purification.

When a reactive metal like iron reacts with a dilute acid like hydrochloric acid, it displaces hydrogen gas.

Silver is less reactive than copper in the reactivity series, so it cannot displace copper from a copper sulphate solution.

Non-metals like sulphur form acidic oxides (e.g., SO2) when they react with oxygen, whereas metals typically form basic oxides.

Nitrogen is a primary component of many fertilizers, such as urea and ammonium nitrate, which are essential for plant growth.

Galvanization is the process of applying a protective zinc coating to steel or iron to prevent rusting.

Aluminium is preferred for aircraft construction primarily due to its high strength-to-weight ratio, meaning it has a low density compared to other structural metals.

Zinc is more reactive than hydrogen, so it displaces hydrogen from sulphuric acid, resulting in the formation of zinc sulphate and hydrogen gas.

When metals react with hydrogen, they form metal hydrides. This reaction is typically exothermic, meaning it releases heat.

Metal chlorides are ionic compounds that conduct electricity in molten or aqueous states, whereas non-metal chlorides are covalent and do not conduct electricity.

Coating iron with a less reactive or protective metal like tin or chromium prevents oxygen and moisture from reaching the iron surface, thereby preventing corrosion.

Silicon is a metalloid, but in many contexts, it is classified as a non-metal compared to the other options provided (Magnesium, Iron, Titanium), which are clearly metals.

Metalloids are elements that exhibit properties intermediate between those of metals and non-metals.

Aluminum is a well-known metal, while the others (Hydrogen, Silicon, Oxygen) are non-metals or metalloids.

Corrosion is the gradual destruction of materials, usually metals, by chemical or electrochemical reaction with their environment.

Smelting is a metallurgical process of extracting metal from its ore by heating it beyond the melting point in the presence of a reducing agent, typically carbon.

Mercury is the only metal that is liquid at standard room temperature and pressure.

Sulphur is a non-metal and does not react with water to form a hydroxide and hydrogen gas. This reaction is chemically incorrect.

Hydrogen is placed in Group 1 because, like alkali metals, it has one valence electron and tends to lose it to form a positive ion (H+).

Gangue refers to the commercially valueless material that surrounds, or is closely mixed with, a wanted mineral in an ore deposit. Ore is the mineral itself, while oxides and agents are chemical categories or roles, not terms for impurities.