HighMarks

Metals and non-metals — KCSE Chemistry

KCSE Chemistry · 62 practice questions · 4 syllabus objectives · 4 revision lessons

32 easy25 medium5 hard

Last updated · Aligned to the KNEC KCSE syllabus

What You'll Learn

Key learning outcomes for this topic, aligned to the KNEC KCSE syllabus.

State and compare the physical and chemical properties of metals and non-metals

Explain the reaction of metals with water, acids and oxygen using word and symbol equations

Describe uses of metals and non-metals and relate the uses to their properties

Metals and non-metals

Revision Notes

Concise lesson notes for Metals and non-metals, written to the KCSE Chemistry marking standard. Read the first lesson free below.

Properties of Metals and Non-Metals

Metals and non-metals exhibit distinct physical and chemical properties. Physical properties of metals include:

  • Luster: Metals are shiny and reflect light.
  • Malleability: They can be hammered into thin sheets.
  • Ductility: Metals can be drawn into wires.
  • Conductivity: Good conductors of heat and electricity.

Physical properties of non-metals include:

  • Dullness: Non-metals lack shine and are often dull.
  • Brittleness: They break easily when subjected to stress.
  • Poor conductivity: Non-metals are generally insulators.

Chemical properties of metals:

  • Metals tend to lose electrons during chemical reactions, forming positive ions.
  • They react with acids to produce hydrogen gas and salts.

Chemical properties of non-metals:

  • Non-metals gain or share electrons in reactions, forming negative ions or covalent compounds.
  • They react with metals to form ionic compounds.

In summary, metals are typically shiny, malleable, ductile, and good conductors, while non-metals are dull, brittle, and poor conductors. Understanding these differences is essential for predicting the behavior of elements in chemical reactions.

Key points to remember

  • Metals are shiny, malleable, and ductile.
  • Non-metals are dull, brittle, and poor conductors.
  • Metals lose electrons; non-metals gain or share electrons.
  • Metals react with acids; non-metals form covalent compounds.
  • Comparison helps predict element behavior in reactions.

Worked example

State two physical properties of metals and two of non-metals.

  • Metals: shiny, malleable.
  • Non-metals: dull, brittle.

Read all 4 Metals and non-metals lessons free

Sign up free to unlock the full set of revision notes, all 62 practice questions with marking schemes, plus a personalised study plan that adapts to the topics you keep getting wrong.

More lessons in this topic

Lesson 2: Reactions of Metals with Water, Acids, and Oxygen

Objective: Explain the reaction of metals with water, acids and oxygen using word and symbol equations

Metals react with water, acids, and oxygen in various ways. Understanding these reactions is crucial in chemistry.

1. Reaction with Water:
Most metals react with water to form metal hydroxides and hydrogen gas. For example, sodium reacts vigorously with water:

Word Equation: Sodium + Water → Sodium Hydroxide + Hydrogen
Symbol Equation: 2Na + 2H₂O → 2NaOH + H₂

2. Reaction with Acids:
Metals also react with acids to produce a salt and hydrogen gas. For instance, zinc reacts with hydrochloric acid:

Word Equation: Zinc + Hydrochloric Acid → Zinc Chloride + Hydrogen
Symbol Equation: Zn + 2HCl → ZnCl₂ + H₂

3. Reaction with Oxygen:
When metals react with oxygen, they form metal oxides. For example, iron reacts with oxygen:

Word Equation: Iron + Oxygen → Iron(III) Oxide
Symbol Equation: 4Fe + 3O₂ → 2Fe₂O₃

Remember, the reactivity of metals varies; alkali metals react more vigorously than transition metals.

  • Metals react with water to form hydroxides and hydrogen.
  • Metals react with acids to produce salts and hydrogen gas.
  • Metals react with oxygen to form metal oxides.
  • Reactivity varies among different metals.

Question: Write the word and symbol equations for the reaction of magnesium with hydrochloric acid.
Answer:
Word Equation: Magnesium + Hydrochloric Acid → Magnesium Chloride + Hydrogen
Symbol Equation: Mg + 2HCl → MgCl₂ + H₂

Lesson 3: Uses of Metals and Non-Metals

Objective: Describe uses of metals and non-metals and relate the uses to their properties

Metals and non-metals have distinct properties that determine their various uses. Metals are typically good conductors of heat and electricity, malleable, and ductile. Common uses include:

  • Copper: Used in electrical wiring due to its excellent conductivity.
  • Aluminum: Lightweight and resistant to corrosion, ideal for aircraft and packaging.
  • Iron: Strong and durable, primarily used in construction and manufacturing.

Non-metals, on the other hand, have different characteristics such as being poor conductors and often brittle. Their uses include:

  • Sulfur: Used in the production of fertilizers and sulfuric acid.
  • Carbon: Essential in steel production and as graphite in batteries.
  • Chlorine: Used for water purification and in the production of plastics.

Understanding how the properties of these elements relate to their uses helps in various applications in science and industry.

  • Metals are good conductors of heat and electricity.
  • Copper is used in electrical wiring due to conductivity.
  • Non-metals are generally poor conductors and brittle.
  • Sulfur is used in fertilizers and chemical production.
  • Aluminum is lightweight and corrosion-resistant for packaging.

Describe two uses of metals and relate them to their properties.

  • Copper: Used in electrical wiring because it is an excellent conductor of electricity.
  • Iron: Used in construction due to its strength and durability.
Lesson 4: Understanding Metals and Non-Metals

Objective: Metals and non-metals

Metals and non-metals are two broad categories of elements with distinct properties. Metals are typically good conductors of heat and electricity, malleable, and ductile. They usually have high melting and boiling points. Examples include iron, copper, and aluminum. Non-metals, on the other hand, are poor conductors, brittle in solid form, and have lower melting and boiling points. Common non-metals include oxygen, sulfur, and chlorine.

Key properties of metals:

  • Shiny appearance (luster)
  • High density
  • Tend to lose electrons during chemical reactions

Key properties of non-metals:

  • Dull appearance
  • Low density
  • Tend to gain or share electrons in reactions.

Understanding the differences between metals and non-metals helps in predicting their chemical behavior and applications in real life. For example, metals are often used in construction and electrical wiring, while non-metals are crucial for biological processes and various chemical syntheses.

  • Metals are good conductors of heat and electricity.
  • Non-metals are generally poor conductors and brittle.
  • Metals tend to lose electrons; non-metals gain or share.
  • Examples of metals include iron and copper.
  • Examples of non-metals include oxygen and sulfur.

Question: Classify the following elements as metals or non-metals: iron, sulfur, and chlorine.

  • Iron: metal
  • Sulfur: non-metal
  • Chlorine: non-metal

Sample Questions

Read 3 questions and answers free. Sign up to access all 62 questions with full KNEC-style marking schemes and a personalised study plan.

1
easySHORT ANSWER3 marks

In terms of structure and bonding, explain why metals such as sodium and zinc are good conductors of heat and electricity. (3 marks)

Answer & marking scheme

Part (a) — 3 marks
Metals have a giant metallic structure consisting of a regular arrangement of positive metal ions / cations (1 mk)
The outer-shell electrons are delocalised (free to move) forming a "sea of electrons" (1 mk)
These delocalised electrons can carry / transfer electrical charge and kinetic energy (heat) through the metal lattice (1 mk)
2
easySHORT ANSWER3 marks

In terms of structure and bonding, explain why metals such as aluminium and calcium are good conductors of heat and electricity. (3 marks)

Answer & marking scheme

Part (a) — 3 marks
Metals have a giant metallic structure consisting of a regular arrangement of positive metal ions / cations (1 mk)
The outer-shell electrons are delocalised (free to move) forming a "sea of electrons" (1 mk)
These delocalised electrons can carry / transfer electrical charge and kinetic energy (heat) through the metal lattice (1 mk)
3
easySHORT ANSWER4 marks

The study of materials reveals distinct characteristics that differentiate various substances. Understanding the properties of certain elements, particularly their ability to be shaped and drawn into wires, is essential in various practical applications. (a) Define the term malleability. (1 mark) (b) Define the term ductility. (1 mark) (c) State one use of gold that depends on its malleability and one use that depends on its ductility. (2 marks)

Answer & marking scheme

Part (a) — 4 marks
Malleability is the ability of a metal to be hammered or rolled into thin sheets without breaking (1 mk)
4

Explain why copper is used for making water pipes in plumbing. (2 marks)

+59 More Questions

Sign up free to access all 62 questions with marking schemes, track your progress, and get personalised recommendations.

Frequently asked questions

What does the KCSE Chemistry topic "Metals and non-metals" cover?

Metals and non-metals covers State and compare the physical and chemical properties of metals and non-metals; Explain the reaction of metals with water, acids and oxygen using word and symbol equations; Describe uses of metals and non-metals and relate the uses to their properties, and more, all aligned to the official KNEC KCSE Chemistry syllabus.

How many practice questions are available for Metals and non-metals?

HighMarks has 62 Metals and non-metals practice questions for KCSE Chemistry, each with a full marking scheme. The first 3 are free; sign up to access the rest, plus all KCSE mock exams and past papers.

Are these aligned with the KNEC KCSE syllabus?

Yes. Every objective on this page is taken directly from the official KNEC KCSE Chemistry syllabus. Practice questions match the KCSE exam format and are graded against the standard KNEC marking scheme.

How should I revise Metals and non-metals for the KCSE exam?

Start with the revision notes on this page to refresh the core concepts, then work through the practice questions in increasing difficulty. Sign up for HighMarks to get a personalised study plan that adapts to the topics you keep getting wrong, plus mock exams, subject-wide practice, and detailed performance tracking. See pricing.

Why Practise Metals and non-metals?

KNEC Aligned

Questions match the KCSE syllabus objectives and exam format exactly.

Detailed Marking Schemes

Every answer shows exactly what examiners award marks for.

Track Your Mastery

See your score improve as you practise and identify remaining gaps.

Related topics in KCSE Chemistry

Continue revising adjacent topics from the Chemistry syllabus.

Chemistry
Mixtures and separation techniques
Chemistry
Indicators and pH scale
Chemistry
Particle theory of matter
Chemistry
Salts and neutralization
Chemistry
States of matter
Chemistry
Atomic structure
Previous topic
Elements, compounds and mixtures
Next topic
Acids and bases

More KCSE resources

Round out your Chemistry preparation with full mock exams, past papers, and every Chemistry topic in one place.

All Chemistry topics

Browse every Chemistry revision topic on HighMarks.

KCSE past papers

Years of past KCSE papers with worked answers.

KCSE mock exams

Full-length, timed mocks scored against KNEC-style rubrics.

KCSE practice questions

All KCSE practice questions across every subject.

Master Metals and non-metals for KCSE

Sign up free to unlock all 62 questions, track your progress, and get a personalised study plan for Chemistry.