Tag: physical properties of metals and non-metals

Questions Related to physical properties of metals and non-metals

The elements which partially conduct electricity are called as __________.

chemistry metals physical properties of non-metals uses of metals and non metals physical properties of metals and non-metals

  1. Conductors

  2. Insulators

  3. Semiconductors

  4. None of these

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Correct Option: C
Explanation:

Semiconductors are the elements which conduct electricity but in less quantity. Hence, they are called as semiconductors.

Non-metals do not show ductility due to absence of:

chemistry metals physical properties of non-metals uses of metals and non metals physical properties of metals and non-metals

  1. metallic bonds which allow one electron to slip over another

  2. covalent bonds which gives strength

  3. ionic bonds which gives makes it hard

  4. co-ordinate bonds which which gives extra stability

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Correct Option: A
Explanation:
Non-metals do not show ductility due to absence of metallic bonds which allow one electron to slip over another. High degrees of ductility in metals occur due to metallic bonds. In metallic bonds valence shell electrons are delocalized and shared between many atoms. The delocalized electrons allow metal atoms to slide over one another without being subjected to strong repulsive forces that would cause non-metals to shatter.

Generally, non-metals are not lustrous. Which of the following non-metal is lustrous?

chemistry metals physical properties of non-metals uses of metals and non metals physical properties of metals and non-metals

  1. Sulphur

  2. Oxygen

  3. Nitrogen

  4. Iodine

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Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Lustre means shine. Shining metals are also called lustrous metal. For example, gold. Non-metals such as sulphur, oxygen, nitrogen are non-lustrous but iodine is a greyish black solid and crystals have a metallic lustre.

Non metals are usually poor conductors of heat and electricity. They are non-lustrous, non-sonorous, non-malleable and are coloured.

The allotropic form of a non-metal, which is a good conductor of electricity is: 

chemistry metals physical properties of non-metals uses of metals and non metals physical properties of metals and non-metals

  1. Graphite

  2. Diamond

  3. Rhombic sulphur

  4. None of these

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Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Graphite, which is an allotrope of carbon, is a good conductor of electricity.

Boojho has learnt that non-metals on beating with a hammer are generally broken into pieces. Which of the following is a non-metal?

chemistry metals physical properties of non-metals uses of metals and non metals physical properties of metals and non-metals

  1. Iron nail

  2. Aluminium wire

  3. Copper plate

  4. Piece of coal

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Correct Option: D
Explanation:

All are metals in the given options iron, aluminium and copper but only carbon is a nonmetal present which is breakable with a hammer.

Non-metals have properties similar to that of metals.

chemistry composition of matter physical properties of non-metals uses of metals and non metals physical properties of metals and non-metals

  1. True

  2. False

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Correct Option: B
Explanation:

Non-metals have properties similar to that of metals , This  Statement is false because:

Properties of metals : 

Metals are solid at room temp. 
They are generally hard and strong. 
They have metallic lustre. 
They have high melting and boiling points. 
They are good conductors of heat and eletricity. 
Metals are sonorous. 
Most metals have high tensile strength. 
They are malleable. 
They are ductile. 
They have high densities. 


Properties for non-metals: 

Non-metals are glasses or solids at room temp. except bromine. 
They are not as hard as metals and have low tensile strengths. 
They do not have lusture. 
They are bad conductors of heat and electricity. 
Non-metals are brittle, they are neither malleable nor ductile. 
They usually have low densities. 
They have low melting and boiling points. 
They are non-sonorous. 

Which of the following are uses of sulphur?

chemistry metals physical properties of non-metals uses of metals and non metals physical properties of metals and non-metals

  1. Sulphur is used in preparation of conducting wires

  2. A mixture of zinc and sulphur on heating with sulphur produces a greyish residue of zinc sulphide

  3. Sulphur is an element belonging to VI A group

  4. Sulphur is a nonmetallic element.

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Correct Option: B,C,D
Explanation:

Zinc on heating with sulphur produces a greyish residue of zinc sulphide.
Sulphur is an element belonging to VI A group.
Sulphur is a nonmetallic element.

Plastic sulfur has no sharp melting point.

chemistry composition of matter physical properties of non-metals uses of metals and non metals physical properties of metals and non-metals

  1. True

  2. False

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Correct Option: B
Explanation:

Amorphous or plastic sulfur is produced by rapid cooling of molten sulfur e.g. by pouring it in cold water. It has helical form and metastable at room temperature reverting to its crystal allotrope and have sharp melting point.

State whether true or false :

Diamond and iodine are non-metals which are lustrous.

chemistry composition of matter physical properties of non-metals uses of metals and non metals physical properties of metals and non-metals

  1. True

  2. False

Show answer
Correct Option: A
Explanation:

In case of iodine, the large size of the atom results in low shielding of valence electrons. 


Upon absorption of light or heat by these electrons, the de-excitation of the absorbed heat from the surrounding emit light so it appears that they have lustrous surface.


The sparkling shine of the diamond comes from its cut, clarity, refractive index and reflection. 

The natural diamonds found from the earth is dull and dim. Total internal reflection partially provides the brilliance and shine to the diamond. 

When light strikes the diamond, it gets refracted and get separated into individuals colors. Diamonds normally have high refractive index thus providing a brilliant shine to the diamond.

Therefore Diamond , graphite & iodine are nonmetals which are lustrous because of their crystal structure.

Therefore, option A is correct.

Compare the physical properties of metals and non-metals in general with reference to melting point.

chemistry composition of matter physical properties of non-metals uses of metals and non metals physical properties of metals and non-metals

  1. Both have low melting point

  2. Both have high melting point

  3. Metals have low melting point while non-metals have high melting point

  4. Metals have high melting point and non-metals have low melting point

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Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Metals have high melting and boiling point. Tungsten has the highest melting point where as silver has low boiling point. Sodium and potassium have low melting points. Non metals have low melting point.