Question

4. Identify and name the following.
(a) A metal that is stored in kerosene as it reacts vigorously with oxygen.
(b) A metal that exists in liquid form.
(c) A non-metal that has lustre.
(d) A non-metal that is a good conductor of electricity.
(e) A non-metal that burns in air at room temperature and is thus stored
in water.​

Answer 1

1. A metal that is stored in kerosene as it reacts vigorously with oxygen.

$\boxed {\sf {\purple {Sodium\ (Na)\ and\ Potassium\ (K)}}}$

2. A metal that exists in liquid form.

$\boxed {\sf {\purple {Mercury\ (Hg)}}}$

3. A non-metal that has lustre.

$\boxed {\sf {\purple {Iodine\ (I)\ Diamond\ (Form\ of\ carbon)}}}$

4. A non-metal that is a good conductor of electricity.

$\boxed {\sf {\purple {Graphite\ (Form\ of\ carbon)}}}$

5. A non-metal that burns in air at room temperature and is thus stored in water.

$\boxed {\sf {\purple {Phosphorus\ (P)}}}$

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Explanations:

• Sodium (Na) and Potassium (K) are the two metals that are stored under kerosene because they are highly reactive metals and react vigorously with air and water (spontaneous combustion). In order to prevent this reaction, they are stored under kerosene.

• Mercury (Hg) is the only metal that exists in liquid state at room temperature, while other metals are solid at room temperature. Bromine (Br) is the only non-metal that exists in liquid state at room temperature.

• Usually non-metals are dull and metals are lustrous (or shiny) in appearance. But diamond and Iodine are the only non-metals that have lustre.

• Non-metals are poor conductors of electricity whereas metals are good conductors of electricity. But graphite is the only non-metal that is a good conductor of electricity. Graphite is used for making electrodes.

• Phosphorus is a highly reactive non-metal that reacts vigorously and starts burning when it comes in the contact of air (spontaneous combustion). Therefore, in order to prevent this reaction, it is stored in a bottle of water.

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☆ MORE TO KNOW

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Reactivity Series of metals:

• Potassium $\bf \gray {K}$
• Sodium $\bf \gray {Na}$
• Calcium $\bf \gray {Ca}$
• Magnesium $\bf \gray {Mg}$
• Aluminium $\bf \gray {Al}$
• Zinc $\bf \gray {Zn}$
• Iron $\bf \gray {Fe}$
• Lead $\bf \gray {Pb}$
• Copper $\bf \gray {Cu}$
• Silver $\bf \gray {Ag}$
• Gold $\bf \gray {Au}$