In Class 10 Science, metals and non-metals are categorized based on their physical and chemical properties:
Metals
Physical Properties:
1. Lustrous (shiny appearance)
2. Malleable (can be hammered into sheets)
3. Ductile (can be drawn into wires)
4. Good conductors of heat and electricity
5. Solid at room temperature (except mercury)
Chemical Properties:
1. React with oxygen to form basic oxides
2. React with water to form metal hydroxides and hydrogen gas (e.g., sodium)
3. React with acids to release hydrogen gas
Non-Metals
Physical Properties:
1. Non-lustrous (except iodine)
2. Brittle (not malleable or ductile)
3. Poor conductors of heat and electricity (except graphite)
4. Can exist as solids, liquids, or gases
Chemical Properties:
1. React with oxygen to form acidic or neutral oxides
2. Do not react with acids to release hydrogen
3. Tend to gain or share electrons during reactions
This classification helps understand the periodic table and the behavior of elements in chemical reactions.