Metals and Non-Metals Activity 3.2 Class 10 Science

In this activity we will discuss the hardness or softness of a metal. This activity has been taken from class 10 science.

Table of Contents

Aim of the activity

To compare the hardness of different metals

Materials Required

1. Small pieces of metals – iron, copper, aluminium , sodium and magnesium

2. Sharp knife

3. Pair of tongs

4. Watch glass

Procedure

We take small pieces of iron, copper, aluminium and magnesium metals and try to
cut them with a sharp knife. We also observe which metal is hard.Now we take a piece of sodium metal using a pair of tongs and place it on watch glass and try to cut with knife.

Observation

Metal	Characteristics	Observation
Iron	Very hard	Can’t be cut with knife
Copper	Hard	Requires effort to cut
Aluminium	Less hard	Can be cut with some pressure
Magnesium	Soft	Can be cut
Sodium	Very soft	Easily cut

Explanation

Hardness or softness is the physical property of metals. Metals like iron, copper are very hard while aluminium and magnesium are comparatively soft.

Sodium is very soft metal. This property of metals depends on metallic bonding.

Conclusion

This activity demonstrates the hardness of the metals. Some metals can be cut easily
with knife but some can’t be cut easily.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why sodium is stored in kerosene?

Answer
Sodium reacts vigorously with air and moisture and catches fire so it is kept
in kerosene.

2. Which metal the hardest in this activity?

Answer
Iron is the hardest metal.

All Activities Chapter 3 Metals and Non-Metals

S.No.	Topics
1	Activity 3.1
2	Activity 3.2
3	Activity 3.3
4	Activity 3.4
5	Activity 3.5
6	Activity 3.6
7	Activity 3.7
8	Activity 3.8
9	Activity 3.9
10	Activity 3.10
11	Activity 3.11
12	Activity 3.12
13	Activity 3.13
14	Activity 3.14