Chemical Properties of Non-Metals

A. Reaction with Oxygen

• Non-Metals on heating react with oxygen to form their respective oxides

Sulphur+Oxygen—-> Sulphur Dioxide

Sulphur Dioxide + water——> Sulphurous Acid

Similarly if Carbon and Phosphorus are burnt in air and oxygen respectively their oxides are acidic in nature

C + O₂ ———> CO₂

CO₂ + H₂O——–> H₂CO₃

Most of the oxides of non metals are acidic in nature however Water ,Carbon Monooxide, Nir=tric Oxie andNitrous Oxide are neither acidic nor Basic

Such oxides are called neutral oxides

Reaction with water

Most of the non metals donot react with water. phosphorus is a non metal which is kept in water ,as it catches fire when exposed to air

Reaction with acids

Non-Metals donot react with dilute mineral acids ,hence donot displace hydrogen gas. However concentrated nitirc acids reacts with sulphur and carbon on boiling to form the respective oxides

Sulphur + Nitric acid(Conc.) ——–> Sulphur Dioxide gas + Nitrogen dioxide gas + water

Displacement Reaction-

The only non metals which shows displacement reaction are flurine ,chlorine,bromine and iodine

From the above fluorine is most reactive and iron is least reactive

Thus Chlorine can displace bromine from pottasium bromide or pottasium iodide solution

pottasium Bromide +chlorine ——-> Pottasium chloride+ Bromine

Pottasium Iodide + Chlorine ——–> Pottasium Chloride + Iodine

Uses Of Metals

Uses Of non Metals

1)Oxygen is a non-metal which is used by plants and animals for breathing.It is essential for maintaining our life.It is used in the process of burning of fuels in homes,factories and transport vehicles.

2)Nitrogen is used in making fertilisers to enhance plant growth.It is used in food packing instead of air,to keep the food healthy.

3)Chlorine is used in the water purification process.It has the ability to kill germs ,so chlorine makes the drinking water supply germ free.

4)Iodine is used to make purple coloured solution called tincture of iodine which is applied on cuts and wounds as an antiseptic.

5)Sulphur and phosphorus which are used in fireworks.

6)Sulphur is used in the vulcanisation of rubber.

7)Carbon is used as a fuel.

8)Heluim is used in baloons

9)Argon and Neon are used in electric lights and signboards .