Metals & Non-Metals Quiz

A building contractor decides to use stainless steel over regular iron rods for constructing a bridge in a coastal region. Stainless steel is chosen because it:

1. Is an alloy containing chromium, which forms a protective layer.
2. Is stronger than iron and does not corrode.
3. Is lightweight and reacts less with water.
4. Reacts with air to form oxides that prevent rust.

Answer: (a) Is an alloy containing chromium, which forms a protective layer.

A non-metal is known to exist in two different allotropic forms. One of these forms is used in pencil leads, while the other is used in jewellery due to its brilliance and hardness. Identify the non-metal and the reason for this property.

1. Sulphur; variable oxidation states.
2. Carbon; strong covalent bonding.
3. Phosphorus; differences in density.
4. Nitrogen; low melting point.

Answer: (b) Carbon; strong covalent bonding.

Match the metals given in column I with their unique reactions or applications provided in column II: Column I Column II A. Sodium 1 Burns with a golden flame in air B. Magnesium 2 Reacts with cold water, forming alkali C. Copper 3 Does not react with dilute acids D. Aluminium 4 Used in thermite welding

1. A-3, B-2, C-1, D-4
2. A-1, B-3, C-4, D-2
3. A-2, B-1, C-3, D-4
4. A-4, B-1, C-2, D-3

Answer: (c) A-2, B-1, C-3, D-4

During an industrial process, a metal 'X' reacts with chlorine to form a compound that dissolves in water, forming a strong acid. Metal 'X' also reacts with oxygen to produce a compound used as a drying agent. Which metal is 'X'?

1. Calcium
2. Magnesium
3. Aluminium
4. Sodium

Answer: (d) Sodium

Alloys are homogeneous mixtures of metals with other elements, including non-metals. Which of the following alloys contains a non-metal as one of its constituents?

1. Brass
2. Steel
3. Bronze
4. Duralumin

Answer: (b) Steel

A metal reacts with cold water to produce a metal hydroxide and hydrogen gas, while another metal does not react with water at all, even at high temperatures. Which of the following combinations of metals best fits this description?

1. Calcium and lead
2. Magnesium and copper
3. Sodium and gold
4. Potassium and aluminium

Answer: (c) Sodium and gold

During a metal extraction process, a blast furnace is used to convert the ore into its metal. The furnace involves the reduction of the metal ore by carbon. This process releases carbon dioxide as a by-product. Which type of ore is most likely reduced using this process?

1. Copper sulphide
2. Aluminium oxide
3. Iron oxide
4. Zinc carbonate

Answer: (c) Iron oxide

In an experiment shown below, 2 mL of each of the following acids were taken in test tubes labelled P, Q and R. A small piece of metal was added to each test tube. No reaction occurred in test tubes P and Q, but the metal dissolved in test tube R. Which of the following could be the metal?

1. Al
2. Ag
3. Cu
4. Au

Answer: (d) Au

In a reaction between elements A and B, A loses electrons, and B gains electrons to form compound C. Based on the nature of compound C, which of the following properties is least likely to be shown by it? 1. Has a low melting point. 2. Exists as a gas at room temperature. 3. Has a high melting point. 4. Conducts electricity in the molten state.

1. 1 and 2
2. 2 and 3
3. 1 and 4
4. 3 and 4

Answer: (a) 1 and 2

The electronic configurations of three elements X, Y, and Z are: - X: 2, 8 - Y: 2, 8, 7 - Z: 2, 8, 2 Based on their electronic configurations, which of the following statements regarding their properties is correct?

1. X and Y are metals and Z is a non-metal.
2. X and Z are non-metals and Y is a metal.
3. Z is a non-metal and Y is a metal.
4. Y is a non-metal and Z is a metal.

Answer: (d) Y is a non-metal and Z is a metal.