Metals and Non-metals

5 min

Master properties, reactivity, alloys, and ores for competitive exams

Golden Rule of Metals & Non-metals

Metals are malleable, ductile, and form basic oxides while non-metals form acidic oxides. The reactivity series dictates metal displacement, and alloys enhance structural strength against corrosion.

Why This Topic Matters

1 to 2 direct questions appear in SSC and Railway exams daily.
Essential for understanding metallurgy and extraction processes.
High scoring area covering alloys, ores, and reactivity rules.

Smart Memory Hooks

Reactivity: Potassium > Sodium > Calcium > Magnesium
Brass = Copper + Zinc (Cu + Zn)
Bronze = Copper + Tin (Cu + Sn)

Important Alloys and Ores

Material Name	Composition / Ore	Main Use
Solder	Lead + Tin	Welding wires
Bauxite	Ore of Aluminium	Extraction of Al
Stainless Steel	Fe + Cr + Ni + C	Utensils, cutlery
Cinnabar	Ore of Mercury	Extraction of Hg

Core Concepts at a Glance

Rusting

(Iron + Oxygen + Water)

Iron + Oxygen + Water

Hydrated ferric oxide forms brown flaky coating.

Reactivity

(Displacement Reaction)

Displacement Reaction

More reactive metal displaces less reactive one.

Amphoteric

(Acid & Base Reaction)

Acid & Base Reaction

Zinc and Aluminium oxides show dual nature.

Liquid Metal

(Room Temperature State)

Room Temperature State

Mercury is the only liquid metal at standard temp.

Common Exam Traps

Graphite is a non-conductor of electricityGraphite is a good conductor of electricity

Graphite has free electrons making it exceptional among non-metals.

Bronze is made of Copper and ZincBronze is made of Copper and Tin

Brass is Cu+Zn, whereas Bronze is Cu+Sn. Do not confuse them.

All metal oxides are acidic in natureMetal oxides are basic; non-metal oxides are acidic

Basic oxides react with acids to form salt and water.

Test Your Knowledge

Q1.Which of the following is an amphoteric oxide?

Q2.Cinnabar is the principal ore of which metal?

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