How do the different properties of metals and non-metals determine their uses in everyday life? Class 7

hard

Science Class 7 Science 120 views May 23, 2026 Reviewed & updated Sep 17, 2026

RBSEGuide Expert Answer

How do the different properties of metals and non-metals determine their uses in everyday life? Class 7

Answer:

Metals and non-metals have various properties that make them useful in our everyday life.

Metals are:

malleable, for example, aluminium foil is used for wrapping food.
due to ductility, ornaments like bangles, necklaces, earrings etc. Musical instruments like veena, sitar, violin and guitar.
sonorous, they produce a ringing sound so they are used in making ghungroos and bells.
good conductors of heat, so they are used in making cooking utensils.
good conductors of electricity, making them ideal for electrical wires, appliances and fittings.

Non-metals are:

poor conductor of heat: Cooking utensils are made of metal but their handles is made with wood or other materials that do not conduct heat. Example: handles of pans, kettle.
poor conductor of electricity: Materials like plastic, rubber are poor conductor of electricity. That is why, an electrician wear rubber gloves and use platic cover's screwdrivers to protect from electric shock.
neither malleable and nor brittle: Wood is non-metal used for making furniture, paper, musical instrument, sports equipment, utensils, pencil, matches, etc.
gaseous: We cannot survive without oxygen gas. Nothing will burn without oxygen.
non-lustrous: carbon (as graphite) is used in pencils and dry cell batteries.
improve soil fertility: Nitrogen is used in manufacturing fertilisers and other chemicals.
medicine: A solution of iodine, a non-metal is applied on wounds is an antiseptic.
cleaning: Chlorine which is non-metal used for water purification.

Carbon is also essential in everyday life because it is the building block of all forms. It is a key component of proteins, fats and carbohydrates, which are necessary for growth and energy.