Class 10 Science Chapter 3: Metals and Non-metals

Chapter 3 of the NCERT Class 10 Science textbook “Science”.

Chapter at a glance

This part introduces what metals and non-metals are and lists their main physical properties. You will learn how to recognise them by simple observable features such as shine, hardness, and ability to conduct electricity. Short examples show how each property looks in everyday materials. This part builds the vocabulary and basic classification used throughout the chapter.

What you will learn: Definitions of metal and non-metal; key physical properties and how to test them by simple observations and examples.

Why it matters: Physical properties let you classify materials quickly and explain why metals suit wires, utensils and structures while non-metals suit insulation, medicines and fuels.

Key concepts

Metal — A metal is a substance usually shiny, hard and a good conductor of heat and electricity.
Non-metal — A non-metal is an element that is usually dull, brittle and a poor conductor of heat and electricity.
Physical properties list — Key physical properties include lustre, malleability, ductility, conductivity, hardness and state.

What the chapter covers

Try at Home — A safe, teacher-supervised observation activity to recognise metals and non-metals.
Why Questions — Short conceptual questions and clear answers about the physical properties taught here.

Remember for the exam

Mercury is a liquid metal; graphite (carbon) conducts electricity though a non-metal.

Common mistakes

Mistake: Saying all metals are hard and all non-metals are soft. Better: State 'usually' or give exceptions: most metals are hard but some are soft; give an example for clarity.
Mistake: Assuming shiny means metal always. Better: Combine lustre with other tests (malleability, conductivity) before concluding.
Mistake: Using state (solid/liquid/gas) alone to classify. Better: Use multiple properties (conductivity, malleability) to classify.

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