Question 1

Which of the following is a physical property that distinguishes metals from non-metals?

Accepted Answer

Malleability (ability to be beaten into sheets) and ductility (ability to be drawn into wires) are characteristic physical properties of metals that non-metals lack.

Question 2

When a metal reacts with oxygen, it typically forms a/an:

Accepted Answer

Metals react with oxygen to produce metal oxides, which are basic in nature (e.g., MgO, CaO).

Question 3

Which element is a non-metal but conducts electricity in its solid state?

Accepted Answer

Graphite is an allotrope of carbon (a non-metal) that possesses free electrons and conducts electricity, unlike other non-metals.

Question 4

When a non-metal reacts with oxygen, the resulting compound is typically:

Accepted Answer

Non-metals react with oxygen to form non-metallic oxides, which are acidic in nature (e.g., CO₂, SO₂, P₂O₅).

Question 5

What is the general property of non-metals when exposed to heat?

Accepted Answer

Non-metals are generally brittle solids that break easily when heated or struck, unlike metals which become malleable.

Question 6

Which of the following metals is the best conductor of electricity?

Accepted Answer

Silver has the highest electrical conductivity among all metals due to its atomic structure and free electrons.

Question 7

Which metal forms a protective oxide layer on its surface when exposed to air?

Accepted Answer

Aluminum forms a thin, transparent Al₂O₃ layer on its surface that protects it from further corrosion.

Question 8

Which of the following is a non-metal that exists as a liquid at room temperature?

Accepted Answer

Bromine is the only non-metal that is liquid at room temperature (25°C), appearing as a reddish-brown liquid.

Question 9

What happens when a metal reacts with oxygen to form a metal oxide?

Accepted Answer

In oxidation, the metal loses electrons (oxidation) while oxygen gains electrons (reduction), forming a metal oxide compound.

Question 10

A non-metal X forms an acidic oxide when burned in air. This oxide dissolves in water to produce an acidic solution. Which of the following could X be?

Accepted Answer

Sulfur (non-metal) burns to form SO₂, which dissolves in water to produce sulfurous acid, an acidic solution; metals like Mg, Na, and Fe form basic oxides.

Question 11

When a metal M reacts with dilute hydrochloric acid, it produces hydrogen gas. However, when the same metal is placed in a solution of copper sulfate, no reaction occurs. What can be concluded about the position of M in the reactivity series?

Accepted Answer

M reacts with HCl (displacing H), so it is more reactive than H; M does not displace Cu from CuSO₄, so it is less reactive than Cu.

Question 12

Which of the following metals exhibits the property of being malleable and ductile at room temperature, and is also the best conductor of electricity among all elements?

Accepted Answer

Silver is the best electrical and thermal conductor among all elements, and like all metals, it is malleable and ductile.

Agniveer Army Clerk SKT Metals & Non-Metals

Metals & Non-Metals — Practice Questions