Easy Notes — Grade 11 Chemistry Chapter 6

 

Easy Notes — Chapter 6: Non-Metals and Their Compounds; Nitrogen and Sulphur

These simplified notes focus on the main concepts for easy understanding and exam revision. Information about common properties of non-metals and nitrogen/sulphur chemistry aligns with standard chemistry references. (Chemistry LibreTexts)

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1. Non-Metals

Definition

Non-metals are elements that generally:

• gain or share electrons

• conduct heat and electricity poorly

• show properties opposite to metals (Chemistry LibreTexts)

Examples:

• Nitrogen (N)

• Oxygen (O)

• Sulphur (S)

• Carbon (C)

• Chlorine (Cl)

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Properties of Non-Metals

Physical Property	Description
Conductivity	Poor conductor
Appearance	Usually dull
Malleability	Not malleable
Ductility	Not ductile
State	Can exist as solid, liquid, or gas

Examples:

• Oxygen → gas

• Bromine → liquid

• Sulphur → solid (Chemistry LibreTexts)

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Chemical Properties

• Form covalent compounds

• Gain electrons during reactions

• Form acidic oxides

Example:

CO2 + H2O →H2CO3

(Carbon dioxide + water → carbonic acid) (Chemistry LibreTexts)

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2. Nitrogen

Basic Information

• Symbol: N

• Atomic number: 7

• Exists naturally as: N2

Nitrogen forms about 78% of Earth's atmosphere.

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Properties of Nitrogen

• Colourless gas

• Odourless

• Less reactive at room temperature

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Uses of Nitrogen

• Manufacture of ammonia

• Fertilizers

• Food preservation

• Production of nitric acid

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Ammonia Preparation

Ammonia is produced by the Haber Process:

N2​ + 3H2 ​⇌ 2NH3​

Conditions:

• High pressure

• Moderate temperature

• Iron catalyst

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Uses of Ammonia

• Fertilizers

• Cleaning products

• Chemical industries

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Nitric Acid

Preparation:

NH3 → NO→ NO2 → HNO3

Uses:

• Fertilizers

• Explosives

• Laboratory chemicals

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3. Sulphur

Basic Information

• Symbol: S

• Atomic number: 16

• Yellow solid non-metal

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Properties of Sulphur

• Brittle

• Insoluble in water

• Burns in air

Burning reaction:

S  + O2​ → SO2​

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Sulphur Dioxide

Properties:

• Colourless gas

• Pungent smell

• Acidic oxide

Uses:

• Bleaching agent

• Preservative

• Manufacture of sulphuric acid

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Sulphuric Acid

Preparation (Contact Process):

2SO2 + O2 → 2SO3

SO3 + H2O → H2SO4

Uses:

• Fertilizers

• Batteries

• Chemical industries

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Short Tricks to Remember

Topic	Memory Trick
Nitrogen	78% of air
Ammonia	Fertilizer
Sulphur	Yellow solid
Sulphur dioxide	Bleaching gas
Sulphuric acid	Battery acid

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Important Exam Questions

1. Define non-metals.

2. State properties of non-metals.

3. Write the Haber process equation.

4. Mention uses of ammonia.

5. State properties of sulphur.

6. Write the reaction of sulphur with oxygen.

7. Mention uses of sulphuric acid.

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Very Short Summary

• Non-metals usually gain or share electrons.

• Nitrogen is important for ammonia and fertilizers.

• Sulphur forms sulphur dioxide and sulphuric acid.

• Nitrogen and sulphur compounds have many industrial uses. (Chemistry LibreTexts)