Question

State whether following statements are true or false.
(A) Generally, non-metals react with acids
(B) Sodium is a very reactive metal
(C) Copper displaces zinc from zinc sulphate solution
(D) Coal can be drawn into wires.

Answer 1

Hint: Ductile materials are used to make thin wires. Those metals replace other metals from its salt solution, which is more reactive than the other metal. Sodium is present in the first group of alkali metals.

Complete step by step answer:
To know which of the following option is true or false, we will consider each statement one by one.
Considering option (A), Generally, non-metals react with acids. Non-metals do not react with acids. This is due to the fact that a substance undergoing reaction with acids, donates electrons to the hydronium ions produced by the acids. But non-metals are acceptors of electrons and hence they do not donate electrons to the hydrogen ion of the acid. Metals react with acids. Therefore, this statement is false.

Considering option (B), Sodium is a very reactive metal. As a part of the alkali metal group in the periodic table, sodium is highly reactive and is never found pure in nature. It tarnishes easily and has a low melting point and density. Sodium is so reactive because they lose their valence electron very easily. Therefore, this statement is true.

Considering option (C), Copper displaces zinc from zinc sulphate solution. Copper is less reactive than zinc and so placed below zinc in the reactivity or electron affinity series of metals.A metal which is less reactive, cannot displace a more reactive metal from a solution of its salt.Hence, copper cannot displace zinc from its salt solution. Therefore, the statement is false.

Considering option (D), Coal can be drawn into wires. Coal is neither malleable nor ductile. It is brittle. It would crumble if you tried to draw it into a wire. Hence, it is a false statement.
So, the correct answer is “Option B”.

Note: Ductility is when a solid material stretches under tensile strain. If ductile, a material may be stretched into a wire. Malleability, a similar property, is a material's ability to deform under pressure (compressive stress). If malleable, a material may be flattened by hammering or rolling.