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Give two chemical properties that distinguish metals from non-metals, and provide an example for each.

ScienceClass 10CBSEAnswered 18 May 2026
Answer

1. Reaction with Oxygen: Metals generally react with oxygen to form basic oxides (e.g., 2Mg(s) + O2(g) → 2MgO(s), where MgO is basic). Non-metals react with oxygen to form acidic or neutral oxides (e.g., C(s) + O2(g) → CO2(g), where CO2 is acidic).
2. Reaction with Acids: Metals above hydrogen in the reactivity series react with dilute acids to produce hydrogen gas (e.g., Zn(s) + 2HCl(aq) → ZnCl2(aq) + H2(g)). 

Non-metals generally do not react with dilute acids to produce hydrogen gas.

Science · Class 10