Pearson Edexcel International GCSE (9–1) · CHEMISTRY · Section
Differences between the properties of metals and non-metals
19 practice questions
Practice questions
11–19 of 19
Question 11
3 marks · Normal
Answer and see the solution →Titanium is a metal with a melting point of about 1670°C, and sulfur is a non-metal with a melting point of about 115°C. Calculate the difference in melting points between titanium and sulfur. Give your answer and then, using this data, explain one difference in the physical properties of metals and non-metals.
Question 12
3 marks · Normal
Answer and see the solution →Graphite is a form of carbon, a non-metal. Unlike most non-metals, graphite conducts electricity. Explain why graphite is an exception among non-metals in terms of electrical conductivity.
Question 13
4 marks · Normal
Answer and see the solution →Some metal and non-metal oxides and their reactions Oxide Type Reacts with acid? Reacts with alkali? CuO Metal Yes No SO2 Non-metal No Yes Al2O3 Metal Yes Yes CO Non-metal No No (a)[1 mark]Identify one oxide in the table that is amphoteric.
(b)[1 mark]Give a reason for your answer to (a).
(c)[1 mark]State which oxide in the table is neutral.
(d)[1 mark]Name one oxide that reacts with alkalis to form salts.
Question 14
1 mark · Normal
Answer and check →Which of the following is a common physical property of most non-metals?
- A.They are shiny when polished.
- B.They are malleable.
- C.They are brittle when solid.
- D.They conduct electricity well.
Question 15
2 marks · Normal
Answer and see the solution →State one exception to the general rule that metals are solid at room temperature, and one exception to the rule that non-metals do not conduct electricity.
Question 16
4 marks · Normal
Answer and see the solution →(a)[2 marks]State the general rule for the acid–base character of oxides of metals and of non-metals.
(b)[2 marks]Give a specific example of (i) a basic oxide and (ii) an acidic oxide. Write a balanced chemical equation for the reaction of the acidic oxide with sodium hydroxide.
Question 17
2 marks · Hard
Answer and see the solution →State the acid–base character of the oxides formed by sodium and chlorine. Use one phrase each.
Question 18
5 marks · Hard
Answer and see the solution →The elements magnesium and sulfur have very different properties. Answer the following questions about them.
(a)[2 marks]State two typical physical properties that distinguish metals from non-metals.
(b)[2 marks]For each of the properties stated in part (a), describe how magnesium and sulfur show these properties.
(c)[1 mark]Name one exception to a typical physical property of metals or non-metals and give a specific example.
Question 19
2 marks · Hard
Answer and see the solution →Hydrogen is found in Group 1 of the Periodic Table but is not a typical metal. Use examples to describe one way in which its electrical conductivity is different from most metals.