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Science Class 8 - Metals And-Non-Metals Notes

Comprehensive study notes for Class 8 - Metals And-Non-Metals olympiad preparation

Metals and Non-Metals

Welcome to the chapter on Metals and Non-Metals for Class 8. In this chapter, you will learn about the properties, uses, and differences between metals and non-metals. By the end of this chapter, you will be able to identify metals and non-metals and understand their importance in daily life!

Introduction

All materials around us are made up of elements. Elements are classified as metals and non-metals based on their properties. Metals and non-metals are used in many ways in our daily life.

Physical Properties of Metals

  • Metals are generally hard and shiny (lustrous).
  • They are good conductors of heat and electricity.
  • Metals are malleable (can be hammered into thin sheets).
  • They are ductile (can be drawn into wires).
  • Most metals are solid at room temperature (except mercury).

Physical Properties of Non-Metals

  • Non-metals are usually dull and brittle.
  • They are poor conductors of heat and electricity.
  • Non-metals are not malleable or ductile.
  • Many non-metals are gases at room temperature (like oxygen, nitrogen).

Chemical Properties

  • Metals react with oxygen to form metal oxides (usually basic).
  • Non-metals react with oxygen to form non-metal oxides (usually acidic).
  • Metals react with acids to produce hydrogen gas.
  • Non-metals generally do not react with acids.

Examples of Metals and Non-Metals

  • Metals: Iron, copper, gold, silver, aluminium, zinc
  • Non-Metals: Oxygen, carbon, sulphur, phosphorus, nitrogen

Uses of Metals

  • Making machinery, vehicles, and tools
  • Electrical wires (copper, aluminium)
  • Jewellery (gold, silver)
  • Construction (iron, steel)

Uses of Non-Metals

  • Oxygen for breathing
  • Nitrogen in fertilizers
  • Sulphur in medicines
  • Carbon in fuels (coal)

Fun Activity: Identify Around You!

Look around your home and school. List five things made of metals and five things made of non-metals.

Summary

  • Metals are hard, shiny, and good conductors.
  • Non-metals are dull, brittle, and poor conductors.
  • Both are important for our daily life and have many uses.

Practice Questions

  1. Name two metals and two non-metals.
  2. Why is copper used for making electrical wires?
  3. Which metal is liquid at room temperature?
  4. Give one use of oxygen.
  5. What happens when a metal reacts with acid?

Challenge Yourself

  • Find out why gold and silver are used for jewellery.
  • List three differences between metals and non-metals.

Did You Know?

  • Mercury is the only metal that is liquid at room temperature!
  • Diamond is a form of carbon, which is a non-metal, but it is the hardest natural substance!

Glossary

  • Metal: An element that is hard, shiny, and a good conductor.
  • Non-Metal: An element that is dull, brittle, and a poor conductor.
  • Malleable: Can be hammered into thin sheets.
  • Ductile: Can be drawn into wires.

Answers to Practice Questions

  1. Metals: Iron, copper; Non-metals: Oxygen, sulphur
  2. Because copper is a good conductor of electricity.
  3. Mercury
  4. Oxygen is used for breathing.
  5. It produces hydrogen gas.

Metals and non-metals are everywhere! Learn to identify and use them wisely.

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