CBSE Class 10 Answered

Physical Property

Metals

Non - metals

Physical state

They are generally solids.

Exception: Mercury is a liquid

They are either solids or gases. Exception: Bromine is a liquid

Lustre

They have a shiny lustre which is called metallic lustre

They do not have a shiny lustre

Exception – graphite, iodine

Sonorous

They generally produce a sound on striking a hard surface

They are non - sonorous

Malleability

Some metals can be beaten into thin sheets.

Most malleable gold and silver

Non – metals are not malleable

Ductility

The ability of metals to be drawn into thin wires is called ductility

Gold is the most ductile metal

Exception: Lead, sodium or potassium

Non – metals are not ductile

Electrical conductivity

They are good conductors of electricity

Best conductors: Silver and copper.

Non- metals are generally poor conductors of electricity

Exception: Graphite

Thermal conductivity

They are good conductors of heat

Best conductors: Silver and

copper.

Poor conductors : Lead and mercury

They are poor conductors of heat

Hardness

They are generally hard

Exception – alkali metals like sodium, potassium

They are generally soft

Exception : Diamond is the hardest substance known

Melting point

They generally have high melting points

Exception – gallium , alkali metals like sodium, potassium

Gallium and caesium will melt if you keep them on your palm

They generally have low melting points