Activity 3.1 NCERT Class 10 Science, Metals and Non-metals

Activity 3.1 NCERT Class 10 Science, Chapter 3 Metals and Non-metals

Brief procedure:

Activity 3.1 asks us to check the appearance of some metals and see changes it after rubbing it with sandpaper.

Observation: 

We see these metals look dull.

After rubbing with sandpaper all these materials shine.

Explanation: 

Metals like iron, copper, magnesium, sodium are reactive metals. These metals react with oxygen and form their oxide on the outer layer. Metal oxides are dull in colour. As a result, the metal loses its lustrous property.

e.g. Iron forms a brown layer which we call rusting of iron; aluminium forms smoke colour aluminium oxide; copper forms a black and green layer with oxygen and sulphur etc.

When we rub the metals with sandpaper, its outer oxide layer is scraped out.

You may recall the burning of magnesium in chapter one. here we first clean the magnesium ribbon. It was because magnesium oxide interferes in burning. See: Why should a magnesium ribbon be cleaned before burning?

Interesting fact:

Silver, gold, platinum are very less reactive metals. They do not react with atmospheric air or water. As a result, their shine persists longer, and people use them as jewelry items.

Next: Experiment to demonstrate metals have lustrous property, Activity 3.2.

See also: Activity list Science class 10 chapter 3.