Test: Metals and Non Metals - UPSC MCQ

The property of metals by which they can be beaten into thin sheets is called malleability. Therefore, option A, malleability, is the correct answer. Malleability refers to the ability of a material to undergo plastic deformation under compressive stress, allowing it to be shaped or formed into various shapes without breaking. Ductility, on the other hand, refers to the property of a material to be stretched or drawn out into thin wires. Conduction and expansion are unrelated properties to the ability of metals to be beaten into thin sheets.

The correct answer is D. N (nitrogen). Nitrogen is a non-metal. It is a diatomic gas that makes up about 78% of the Earth's atmosphere. Non-metals generally have properties that are opposite to those of metals. They are typically poor conductors of heat and electricity, and they lack the characteristic metallic luster. Zinc (Zn), aluminum (Al), and iron (Fe) are all metals, so they are not the correct answer.

The correct answer is A. Iron. Iron is a good conductor of electricity. It is a metal and has high electrical conductivity. Metals, in general, are good conductors of electricity due to the presence of free electrons that can move easily through the material, allowing the flow of electric current. Plastic, wood, and glass are non-metals and are poor conductors of electricity.

The correct answer is B. Sonorous. Metals that produce ringing sounds are said to be sonorous. Sonorousness refers to the ability of a material to produce a sound when struck or vibrated. When certain metals, such as iron, brass, or steel, are struck, they can produce a clear, ringing sound due to their specific acoustic properties. Malleability refers to the ability of metals to be beaten into thin sheets, while luster refers to the shine or reflectivity of a metal's surface. Hardness, on the other hand, refers to a metal's resistance to indentation or scratching.

The correct answer is A. Acidic. The solution obtained from the ash of magnesium ribbon is acidic. When magnesium reacts with oxygen, it forms magnesium oxide (MgO). When MgO dissolves in water, it undergoes hydrolysis to produce magnesium hydroxide (Mg(OH)2), which is a weak base. However, the reaction between magnesium hydroxide and carbon dioxide in the air results in the formation of magnesium carbonate (MgCO₃), which is slightly soluble in water. The dissolution of magnesium carbonate in water leads to the formation of magnesium ions (Mg2+) and carbonate ions (CO₃^2-). The presence of carbonate ions results in the formation of carbonic acid (H₂CO₃) through a reversible reaction. Therefore, the solution obtained from the ash of magnesium ribbon is slightly acidic due to the presence of carbonic acid.

When sulfur dioxide (SO₂) is dissolved in water, it forms sulfurous acid (H₂SO₃), not sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄). The correct answer is D: Sulphurous acid is formed.

Litmus paper is a common pH indicator that changes color depending on the acidity or alkalinity of a solution. Blue litmus paper is typically blue in color and is used to test for the presence of an acid. When blue litmus paper is exposed to an acid, such as sulfuric acid (H2SO4), it will turn red. This color change indicates that the solution is acidic.

Sodium metal is highly reactive and reacts vigorously with water, alcohol, and ether. Storing sodium metal in these substances can lead to rapid and potentially dangerous reactions. To prevent accidental reactions, sodium metal is typically stored in kerosene. Kerosene is a non-reactive hydrocarbon liquid that provides a stable environment for storing sodium metal.

Calcium hydroxide, commonly known as slaked lime or hydrated lime, is a chemical compound with the chemical formula Ca(OH)₂. In this formula, "Ca" represents the symbol for calcium. Therefore, calcium (Ca) is the metal present in calcium hydroxide.

Copper sulfate is an inorganic compound that consists of copper (Cu) ions bonded to sulfate (SO₄) ions. The chemical formula CuSO₄ represents this compound.

In copper sulfate, the copper ion (Cu²⁺) has a positive charge of 2, while the sulfate ion (SO4^2-) has a negative charge of 2. To balance the charges, one copper ion combines with one sulfate ion, resulting in the formula CuSO₄.

It's worth noting that copper sulfate exists in various forms, including anhydrous copper sulfate (CuSO₄), which is a white powder, and hydrated copper sulfate, which contains water molecules in its crystal structure. The most common form is pentahydrate copper sulfate (CuSO₄·5H₂O), which appears as blue crystals.

Copper sulfate is widely used in various applications, such as agriculture, electroplating, fungicides, and as a laboratory reagent.

The correct answer is C) Na (sodium). Sodium is a metal, belonging to the alkali metal group of elements in the periodic table. It is a highly reactive metal with a silver-white color and a soft texture. Sodium is commonly found in nature as a compound, such as sodium chloride (table salt) or sodium hydroxide. It is an essential element for many biological processes and is widely used in various applications, including the production of chemicals, detergents, and as a reactive metal in laboratory settings.

The correct answer is C) Ductility. Ductility is the property of a material, particularly metals, to be stretched or drawn into thin wires without breaking. Metals that exhibit high ductility can be easily formed into long, thin wires by the process of drawing. This property is essential in various applications such as electrical wiring, cables, and the production of metal filaments for various purposes. Conductivity refers to the ability of a material to conduct electric current, while malleability refers to the ability to be hammered or rolled into thin sheets. Decorating is not a property related to the formation of wires in metals.

The correct answer is C) Hg (Mercury). Mercury is the only metal that is found in a liquid state at room temperature. It has a low melting point of -38.83 degrees Celsius (-37.89 degrees Fahrenheit) and remains in its liquid form up to room temperature (around 25 degrees Celsius or 77 degrees Fahrenheit). Mercury is a silvery-white metal that is known for its high density and exceptional liquid range. Due to its unique properties, it has various applications, including thermometers, barometers, electrical switches, and in certain industrial processes.

The correct answer is D) Sulphur dioxide. When sulphur reacts with oxygen, the product formed is sulphur dioxide (SO2). The reaction can be represented by the following equation:

S + O₂ → SO₂

Sulphur dioxide is a colorless gas with a pungent odor. It is commonly produced during the combustion of sulphur-containing materials, such as coal and fossil fuels. Sulphur dioxide has several industrial uses, including as a precursor for the production of sulphuric acid (option A). However, directly speaking about the reaction between sulphur and oxygen, the main product is sulphur dioxide.

The correct answer is D) H₂SO₃. The chemical formula of sulphurous acid is H₂SO₃. Sulphurous acid is a weak acid that is formed when sulphur dioxide (SO₂) dissolves in water. The chemical equation for the formation of sulphurous acid is:

SO₂ + H₂O → H₂SO₃

It is important to note that sulphuric acid (H₂SO₄) is a different compound with a different formula (option A). Sulphurous acid is a less stable compound compared to sulphuric acid and is often used as a reducing agent or in certain chemical reactions.

The correct answer is B) Acidic. Oxides of non-metals tend to be acidic in nature. Non-metals generally gain electrons when they react with oxygen, forming compounds known as oxides. These non-metal oxides react with water to form acidic solutions. For example, carbon dioxide (CO2) combines with water to form carbonic acid (H2CO3), and sulfur dioxide (SO2) reacts with water to produce sulfurous acid (H2SO3). These acidic oxides can also react with bases to form salts.

On the other hand, oxides of metals are generally basic in nature, forming alkaline solutions when dissolved in water.

The correct answer is A) Sodium. Sodium reacts vigorously with both oxygen and water. When exposed to oxygen, sodium rapidly combines with it to form sodium oxide (Na₂O) or sodium peroxide (Na₂O₂), depending on the conditions. This reaction is exothermic and often accompanied by a bright yellow flame.

In the presence of water, sodium reacts vigorously to produce sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and hydrogen gas (H₂). The reaction is highly exothermic and can result in the release of heat, formation of hydrogen gas bubbles, and the production of sodium hydroxide solution.

Potassium (option B), calcium (option C), and magnesium (option D) also react with oxygen and water, but sodium is generally more reactive than these metals, exhibiting a more vigorous reaction.

The correct answer is B) Phosphorus. Phosphorus is a non-metal that can catch fire when exposed to air. It is highly reactive and readily oxidizes in the presence of oxygen, leading to combustion. Phosphorus has several allotropes, with white phosphorus being the most reactive and pyrophoric. White phosphorus can spontaneously ignite upon contact with air due to its high reactivity.

Sodium (option A) is a metal and can also ignite when exposed to air, but it is not a non-metal. Calcium (option C) and Uranium (option D) are not known for catching fire upon exposure to air.

The correct answer is C) Hydrogen. When metals react with acids, the primary gas produced is hydrogen. This reaction typically involves the displacement of hydrogen from the acid by the metal. The metal ions from the metal compound combine with the anions from the acid to form a salt, while hydrogen gas is released.

For example, when metals like zinc, magnesium, or aluminum react with hydrochloric acid (HCl), the reaction proceeds as follows:

Zn + 2HCl → ZnCl₂ + H₂

Mg + 2HCl → MgCl₂ + H₂

2Al + 6HCl → 2AlCl₃ + 3H₂

As seen in the reactions above, hydrogen gas (H₂) is released as a product when metals react with acids.